North Rocks (NSW)

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According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new address validations by Districts following the Census, the population of the suburb of North Rocks is estimated to be approximately 9,457 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 321 people (3.5%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 9,136 residents. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 9,450, estimated by Districts based on the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census. Such a population size translates to a density ratio of 1,728 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical rate observed across national sites evaluated by Districts. Throughout the past ten years, the suburb of North Rocks has shown steady growth trends with a 1.4% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the state average. Growth in the area was chiefly driven by overseas arrivals, who accounted for about 87.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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The suburb of North Rocks has a highly qualified workforce, with a strong presence of professional services, an unemployment rate of only 1.8%, and 3.1% in estimated job growth over the last year, based on Districts compilations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 5,592 residents are employed, which is an unemployment rate 2.4% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is relatively typical (74.0% compared to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Census responses show a high 52.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be noted.

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The latest postcode level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of North Rocks are higher than the national average, with a median of $57,605 and an average of $72,670. This compares to Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,550 (median) and $80,170 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes all place highly for the suburb of North Rocks, falling between the 72nd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows the largest group represents 31.8% of residents (3,007 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring regional trends where are in this category. The large share of high earners ( earning over /week) demonstrates strong economic capacity within the suburb of North Rocks. High housing expenses consume of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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Housing structure in the suburb of North Rocks, measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 78.1% separate houses and 21.9% other property types (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in the suburb of North Rocks was considerably higher than the Sydney metro average, standing at 36.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (39.5%) or rented (24.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average at $2,817, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $505, compared to Sydney metro averages of $2,427 and $470. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in the suburb of North Rocks are considerably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national average of $375.

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Family households make up the vast majority at 83.3% of all households, consisting of 46.5% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 16.7%, with single person households representing 14.3% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 individuals is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of North Rocks are well ahead of wider benchmarks, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of education positions the area well for knowledge-based employment. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational skills are also prominent, with 27.1% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications – consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (15.3%).

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Analysis of transit options shows 84 active transport stops in the suburb of North Rocks, consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 56 separate routes, which combine to deliver 8,234 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents generally living 149 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most residents travel out of the area to work, with cars remaining the main transport choice at 87%, and buses at 6%. Car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A high 52.4% of residents worked from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 rules).

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Health indicators show excellent results in the suburb of North Rocks, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with younger age groups showing a very low incidence of common health issues, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is high at about 56% of the population (~5,262 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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The suburb of North Rocks displays high cultural diversity, with 42.5% of residents born overseas and 44.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 52.1% of the population in the suburb of North Rocks. The most notable overrepresentation is for Hinduism, which accounts for 4.5% of the population, compared to 5.2% in Greater Sydney.

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With a median age of 40, the suburb of North Rocks is slightly older than Greater Sydney's median of 37 and similarly marginally older than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, the 5 - 14 age bracket is noticeably overrepresented (14.4% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are underrepresented (10.5%). Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 11.4% to 13.6% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 group has decreased from 5.3% to 4.6%. Projections indicate that the age profile in the suburb of North Rocks will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ cohort is expected to increase dramatically, growing by 194 people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of the total population growth, showing the aging of the local population. Meanwhile, the to and to age brackets are projected to experience population decreases.

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North Rocks currently has an estimated 435 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 261 children aged 0-2 and 174 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 406 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,099. Birth rates in the area have averaged 7.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.