Lawson (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Lawson (NSW) is estimated to be approximately 2,806 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 155 people (5.8%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 2,651 people. The statistic is derived from the resident population of 2,806, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This size of population results in a density ratio of 384 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per resident and potential room for further development. The 5.8% growth in the suburb of Lawson (NSW) since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (1.6%), making it a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Lawson possesses a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of only 2.7%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,534 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.2% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Based on Census responses, a high 40.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Lawson has a median taxpayer income of $47,979, and an average taxpayer income of $58,187. This is lower than the national average, and compares to the median of $60,817 and average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,930 (median) and $64,192 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Lawson, sitting between the 34th and 36th percentiles. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 32.2% of residents (903 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents . Affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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At the time of the latest Census, the mix of housing types in Lawson consisted of 94.3% separate houses and 5.8% other options (such as townhouses, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 55.9% separate houses and 44.1% other options in the Sydney metro area. The rate of outright home ownership in Lawson was significantly higher than the Sydney metro level, standing at 37.2%, with the remaining properties either under a mortgage (44.0%) or rented (18.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in this locality was well below the Sydney metro average at $1,849, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $387, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. On a national level, Lawson's mortgage repayments are below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are above the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the majority of dwellings at 66.6%, consisting of 27.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The educational profile of this locality is distinct compared to the broader region, with university qualification rates (33.7% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 23.9%, showing the community's focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational skills are also prominent, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (23.8%).

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Analysis of public transport shows 29 active stops operating in Lawson, including a combination of train and bus services. These locations are served by 20 distinct routes, which together provide 905 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is ranked as good, with residents generally situated 278 meters from the nearest stop. Since it is a mostly residential area, the majority of commuters travel outward, and driving remains the dominant mode at 87%, while 6% travel by train. Car ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 40.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Lawson experiences notable health issues, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,402 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney. The national average is 55.7%.

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Lawson was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.5% being citizens, and 93.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Lawson was found to be Christianity, which makes up 39.5% of people in Lawson. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The 45-year median age in Lawson is significantly above Greater Sydney's average of 37 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Sydney, Lawson has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (16.9%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (9.2%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.8% to 7.6% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Lawson's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Lawson currently has an estimated 148 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 85 children aged 0-2 and 56 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 12% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 139 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 257. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.6 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.