Raby (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census estimates the population of the suburb of Raby at approximately 5,933 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 10 residents (0.2%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 5,943 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 5,821, calculated by Districts using the most recent ERP statistics published by the ABS (June 2025) plus an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size represents a density ratio of 2,230 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. Growth in the suburb of Raby was mainly driven by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 65.0% of all population increases in recent times.

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Raby possesses a qualified labor force, with strong representation in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the last year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, 3,300 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than the Greater Sydney rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation was significantly above average at 74.4% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that 31.9% of residents worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Based on the latest ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the income levels in Raby are below the national average. The median income for taxpayers in Raby is $54,652, while the average income is $60,604, compared to Greater Sydney figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at approximately $60,292 for the median and $66,858 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Raby sit around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket contains 38.8% of the population, representing 2,302 individuals, which aligns with wider regional trends where fall into this group. High housing expenses account for of income, but solid overall earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Raby consisted of 92.5% separate houses and 7.5% other dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing, compared to 55.9% separate houses and 44.1% other dwellings in the Sydney metropolitan area. The rate of home ownership in Raby was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average, standing at 31.7%, while the remaining homes were occupied by mortgage holders (48.1%) or tenants (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 was well below the Sydney metro average of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $410 compared to $470 across Sydney metro. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Raby exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Family households constitute the majority at 82.7% of all occupied properties, consisting of couples with children at 41.7%, couples without children at 25.5%, and single parent households at 14.5%. The remaining 17.3% are non-family households, which include single person households at 15.5% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household occupancy of 3.0 individuals is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The region records lower rates of tertiary qualifications, with university qualification levels at 17.5% compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. This indicates both a challenge and a potential focus area for educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 27.8%.

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Public transport data shows 38 active stops operating in Raby, providing a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 35 different routes, offering a total of 932 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 134 meters from their nearest transport stop. Being a primarily residential area, the majority of workers commute out of the suburb, with cars remaining the main transit mode at 92%, followed by trains at 5%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.7 per household, which is higher than the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 31.9%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Raby faces notable health issues, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with typical medical concerns present across both young and old cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low at roughly 51% of the population, representing about 3,021 individuals. This is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9%.

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Raby displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most suburban markets, with 28.4% of residents born outside Australia and 28.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 59.3% of the community. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Islam, which accounts for 9.2% of the population compared to 6.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 36 years in Raby closely aligns with the Greater Sydney average of 37 and sits slightly below the Australian median of 38. Raby has a higher proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 age bracket (11.0%) compared to Greater Sydney, but a lower share of people aged 25 - 34 (12.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 2.7% to 4.1%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 14.5% to 12.8% and the 25 to bracket fell from to . Demographic projections indicate Raby's age structure will change significantly by . The to cohort is expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to total . Older residents aged and over will account for of population growth, highlighting the aging trend. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are projected to see population decreases.

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Raby currently has an estimated 421 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 252 children aged 0-2 and 169 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 3% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 15% by 2041 (to approximately 358 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 694. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 15.0 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.