Padstow (NSW)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Padstow's population is estimated at around 14,564 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 547 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,017 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,508, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,722 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. the suburb of Padstow's 3.9% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Detail

Padstow features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and 3.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 7,994 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Sydney's 69.1%. Based on Census responses, a high 46.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Detail

According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Padstow had a median income among taxpayers of $50,220 with the average level standing at $62,480. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,403 (median) and $68,928 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 58th percentile ($1,891 weekly), while personal income sits at the 37th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.8% of the community (4,631 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing in the same category. High housing costs consume of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

Detail

Dwelling structure within Padstow, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Padstow was well beyond that of Sydney metro, at 33.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.7%) or rented (33.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $470, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Padstow's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households dominate at 76.2% of all households, comprising 39.0% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Detail

Educational qualifications in Padstow trail regional benchmarks, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (18.4%).

Detail

Public transport analysis reveals 89 active transport stops operating within Padstow comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 35 individual routes, collectively providing 4,412 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 161 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 78%, with 14% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 46.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Detail

Padstow demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~7,523 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

Detail

Padstow scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 41.1% of its population born overseas and 48.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Padstow was found to be Christianity, which makes up 54.0% of people in Padstow. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 6.2% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

Detail

With a median age of 40, Padstow is somewhat higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (12.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (12.9%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Padstow's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

Detail

Padstow currently has an estimated 830 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 477 children aged 0-2 and 318 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 722 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,297. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.