Merrylands (NSW)

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According to analysis of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region, combined with recent address records verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Merrylands has an estimated population of approximately 36,323 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 3,851 residents (11.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which registered 32,472 individuals. This adjustment is derived from a resident headcount of 36,313, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP publication from June 2025 alongside an extra 1,551 verified new residential addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 5,397 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality within the highest 10% of all territories analyzed by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. The 11.9% expansion rate of the suburb of Merrylands since the 2021 census outpaced the state figure of 7.1% as well as Greater Sydney, positioning the locality as a regional leader in population growth. Overseas migration served as the primary contributor to these gains, accounting for roughly of the total population increase during the latest intervals.

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The locality possesses a highly trained labor pool with substantial representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 9.7%, and an annual employment expansion estimated at 4.0% based on Districts compilation of regional statistics. In March 2026, working residents numbered 15,359, while the jobless rate stood 5.6% higher than the Greater Sydney level of 4.1%, pointing to potential for progress, and labor force engagement remains comparatively low at 58.4% versus 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that 32.8% of workers operated from their homes, though this figures should be interpreted alongside pandemic-related movement restrictions.

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The suburb of Merrylands records a median individual taxpayer income of $41,389 alongside an average of $51,377, based on the latest postcode statistics from the ATO analyzed by Districts for financial year 2023. These earnings sit below national averages, in contrast to Greater Sydney where the median is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index expansion of 10.32% since financial year 2023 yields updated figures of approximately $45,660 for the median and $56,679 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes sit at the 12th percentile with a weekly figure of $607, whereas household earnings rank higher at the 34th percentile. Analysis of earnings shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket accounts for of the local population ( individuals), which aligns closely with the broader region where of residents fall into this group. Financial strain from housing costs is significant, leaving residents with only of their income after housing payments, placing the area at the th percentile.

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Residential configurations in Merrylands at the time of the latest Census consisted of 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% multi-unit options like townhouses and apartments, compared to a breakdown of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Sydney. Home ownership rates in Merrylands were lower than the metropolitan Sydney average, sitting at 23.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (27.7%) or renting households (48.8%). The median monthly home loan payment of $2,100 was considerably below the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent of $400 was lower than the metropolitan figure of $470. On a national level, mortgage costs in Merrylands are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and typical rents also exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up the majority of living arrangements at 71.7% of all households, which includes 39.3% couples raising children, 16.9% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent arrangements. The remaining 28.3% consists of non-family households, with single-person living situations representing 22.7% and shared group households making up 5.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 individuals is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The locality presents opportunities for educational advancement, with university graduation rates of 28.4% sitting considerably lower than the SA4 regional average of 39.1%. This discrepancy highlights a key area for targeted learning programs. Undergraduate degrees comprise the largest share of higher qualifications at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate study at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Practical and technical qualifications are common, with 27.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, split between advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (15.7%).

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Assessments of public transport options show 171 active stops operating within Merrylands, including both bus and rail services. These stops are served by 71 distinct routes, which provide a combined total of 6,600 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is rated as excellent, with typical resident distances to the nearest stop averaging 138 meters. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 72%, followed by train travel at 18% and bus travel at 5%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.1 cars per home. A high proportion of residents (32.8%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Assessments by Districts regarding mortality statistics and the occurrence of chronic illnesses indicate favorable health metrics for Merrylands, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across all age groups, while the proportion of residents holding private health insurance is low at approximately 47% of the population (~17,188 people). This is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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Merrylands ranks among the most multicultural communities nationwide, with 55.1% of its residents born outside Australia and 70.9% communicating in a language other than English at home. Christianity stands as the primary religious affiliation, representing 43.9% of the local population. The most prominent statistical divergence is seen in the Islamic faith, which is practiced by 30.8% of the community, a share considerably larger than the Greater Sydney average of 6.8%.

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Having a median age of 33, Merrylands has a younger demographic than Greater Sydney, which has a median of 37, and is younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Merrylands contains a larger proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (18.3%) but a smaller share of mature adults aged 45 - 54 (10.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 3.5% to 4.4% of the population. Demographic projections for 2041 suggest notable shifts for Merrylands, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 47% (adding 1,816 residents to reach 5,703), while the to group is projected to see a minor rise of (an increase of people).

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Merrylands currently has an estimated 2,796 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 1,630 children aged 0-2 and 1,089 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 3,048 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 3,363. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 16.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.