Menai (NSW)

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According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside newly validated addresses by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Menai has a residency count estimated at 10,355 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 64 individuals (0.6%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 10,419 residents. This shift is derived from the estimated resident population of 10,355, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and subsequent address validations after the Census. The local population density stands at 800 persons per square kilometer, a level that aligns closely with standard averages across areas analysed by Districts. Inward overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, accounting for approximately 59.0% of total growth in recent times.

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The suburb of Menai has a highly qualified labor force with prominent representation in professional roles, an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and consistent employment numbers over the preceding year, according to Districts compilations of regional statistics. In March 2026, there were 5,970 employed residents, with the jobless rate tracking 0.8% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, and labor participation sitting at a normal level (74.1% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney). Census figures indicate that a substantial 44.1% of working residents operated from home, though this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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Compiled postcode statistics from the ATO for the financial year 2023 show that taxpayers in the suburb of Menai recorded a median income of $61,623 and an average income of $81,191. These figures place the area among the highest-earning localities in the country, comparing to medians and averages of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would sit at roughly $67,982 for the median and $89,570 for the average as of March 2026. Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, positioning between the 78th and 92nd percentiles nationwide. The weekly earnings distribution is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 30.2% of residents ( people), matching the broader metro trend where this bracket comprises . A high proportion of top earners ( receiving more than /week) demonstrates strong household purchasing power. Housing costs represent of total income, with strong earnings placing local residents in the st percentile for disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranking the area in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Menai consisted of 75.3% separate houses and 24.6% other properties like townhouses and apartments, compared to a split of 55.9% separate houses and 44.1% other properties across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Menai were much higher than the metropolitan average at 36.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased via a mortgage (48.5%) or rented (14.9%). The median monthly home loan payment was higher than the Sydney metro average at $2,600, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $560, compared to Sydney metro figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are substantially above the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 85.5%, consisting of couples with children at 48.3%, couples without children at 24.2%, and single parents at 12.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.5%, with single-person households representing 13.6% and shared group households making up 0.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 individuals exceeds the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Attainment levels in the suburb of Menai sit below metropolitan averages, with 28.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. This highlights opportunities for further educational and skill development. Among tertiary graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational and technical training is widely represented, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (23.4%).

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Public transit statistics show 66 transport stops operating in the suburb of Menai, consisting of bus services. These stops connect with 35 separate routes, delivering a combined 1,629 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 172 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential character of the suburb of Menai, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 88% and trains accounting for 7%. Households average 1.8 vehicles, which sits above the metropolitan standard. A high proportion of residents, 44.1%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Analysing key health markers reveals positive outcomes in the suburb of Menai, based on Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends, which show a low occurrence of common medical conditions across all age groups. Additionally, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high, accounting for approximately 59% of the population (6,107 people).

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The suburb of Menai shows higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 19.9% of residents born outside Australia and 17.8% using a language other than English in their homes. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 70.3% of the local population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 39 in the suburb of Menai is slightly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to metropolitan Sydney, the 55 - 64 age group is visibly overrepresented at 12.9% of the local population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 10.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 4.0% to 5.9%, whereas the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 14.8% to 12.9%. Projections to 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts for the suburb of Menai, led by a 56% expansion (representing 342 people) in the to cohort, which is expected to rise from to . Demographic aging is evident, with residents aged and over accounting for of the projected population growth, while the to and to cohorts are forecast to shrink.

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Menai currently has an estimated 569 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 329 children aged 0-2 and 218 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 502 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,142. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.8 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.