Lindfield (NSW)

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Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Lindfield has an estimated population of approximately 12,429 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,486 people (13.6%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,943 individuals. This change is calculated from a resident population of 12,223, estimated by Districts after analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and adding 278 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density of 2,390 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of all national areas evaluated by Districts. The 13.6% expansion since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area (4.4%) as well as the SA4 region, establishing the suburb of Lindfield as a growth leader in the territory. Population gains were primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the total increase over recent periods.

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The local workforce is highly qualified, with strong representation in the technology sector, a low unemployment rate of 2.2%, and an estimated job growth of 3.8% over the past year according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026, there are 6,496 employed residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 1.9% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is slightly lower than the benchmark (65.2% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney). Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 62.3%, worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayer incomes in the area rank in the highest national percentile, with a median of $65,664 and an average of $137,584. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Applying the Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $72,441 for the median and $151,783 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that personal, family, and household incomes are exceptionally high, falling between the 89th and 95th percentiles nationwide. Analysis of income brackets shows that 36.0% of the population, or 4,474 residents, earn over $4000 weekly, which differs from the regional trend where the - bracket is the largest at . High-income earners are highly visible, with of the population earning more than per week, showing significant community purchasing power. High housing costs account for of household income, but strong general earnings ensure that disposable income remains in the th percentile, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA index for income.

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According to the latest Census, residential properties in the area consisted of 52.2% standalone houses and 47.7% other housing types, such as townhouses, flats, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Sydney metropolitan distribution of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates were significantly higher than the Sydney metropolitan average, standing at 38.5%, while the remaining properties were held under a mortgage (32.4%) or occupied by tenants (29.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $3,450 was considerably higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent of $600 also exceeded the metropolitan benchmark of $470. On a national level, mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the countrywide figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of local households at 78.7%, consisting of couples with children at 43.8%, couples without children at 24.4%, and single-parent households at 9.7%. Non-family households represent the remaining 21.3%, with single-person households accounting for 19.3% and group households making up 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 residents, which is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational profiles in the locality are significantly higher than state and national benchmarks, with 60.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% across NSW. This high level of qualification positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational training accounts for 15.7% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (6.6%).

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Public transport options include 71 active stops throughout the area, consisting of a network of train and bus services. These stops are served by 46 different routes, which support 5,803 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 166 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the majority of working residents commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the main mode of travel at 70%, followed by trains at 19% and walking at 5%. Households own an average of 1.2 vehicles. A high proportion of residents, 62.3%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Local health outcomes are exceptionally positive, with Districts assessments indicating low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic medical conditions across all age ranges, supported by a high private health insurance rate of approximately 81% of the population, representing 10,073 individuals. This contrasts with a coverage rate of 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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The locality displays high levels of cultural diversity, with 39.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 44.8% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 43.4% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 1.3% of residents compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 40 is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 45 - 54 age bracket is overrepresented at 14.4%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 9.9%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group expanded from 12.2% to 15.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket increased from 5.6% to 7.0%. In contrast, the 0 to 4 group decreased from 5.3% to 3.8% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from to . Population modeling indicates that the demographic profile will shift notably by . The + cohort is expected to increase significantly, growing by people () from to . The combined age groups of and over are projected to account for of total population growth, highlighting the aging trend. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to experience declines.

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Lindfield currently has an estimated 472 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 248 children aged 0-2 and 166 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 439 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,399. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.