Redfern (NSW)

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An analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Redfern is approximately 15,041 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,969 people (15.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 13,072 people. This shift is derived from a resident population of 15,040, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 188 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. This population translates to a density of 12,855 persons per square kilometer, placing the area within the top 10% of countrywide locations evaluated by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. The 15.1% growth rate recorded in the suburb of Redfern since the 2021 census outpaced the state average of 7.1% as well as Greater Sydney, positioning the locality as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this population expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the total population increase during the recent timeframe.

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The local workforce is highly educated, featuring strong representation in the technology sector, an unemployment rate of 9.4%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.7% over the past year, according to Districts statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 8,587 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 5.3% higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, while workforce participation is close to the Greater Sydney rate of 69.1%. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 61.0%, worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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According to the latest ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, personal income levels in the locality rank in the top percentile nationwide. Taxpayers report a median income of $69,244 and an average income of $97,548, compared to Greater Sydney averages of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $76,390 for median income and $107,615 for average income. Individual earnings from the 2021 Census are positioned at the 90th percentile nationally, at $1,191 weekly. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 25.2% of residents (3,790 people), compared to the metropolitan region where fall into this range. Financial capacity is highlighted by the of households earning high weekly incomes above supporting strong consumer activity. High housing costs absorb of income, yet strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The local housing stock at the latest Census consisted of 1.4% standalone houses and 98.6% other housing types, such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to the Sydney metro profile of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership rates lagged the metropolitan average, sitting at 15.3%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (21.1%) or renting (63.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,811 was considerably higher than the Sydney metro median of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was $500, compared to the Sydney metro median of $470. On a national level, mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well above the national median of $375.

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Family households represent 44.8% of all households, which includes 11.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 4.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 55.2%, consisting of lone person households at 42.4% and group households at 12.8%. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in the area is substantially higher than broader indicators, with 57.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This educational profile positions the workforce well for knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 37.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational education accounts for 19.8% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 10.0%.

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Public transport analysis shows 50 active transit stops operating in the area, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 unique routes, which support 20,159 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 121 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a largely residential area, most working residents commute to other locations. Private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 36%, followed by trains at 24% and walking at 18%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 0.3 per home, which is below the regional average. A high share of residents, 61.0%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health outcomes in the area are close to national averages, according to Districts evaluations of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, showing typical patterns across different age groups. The rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 65% of the population (9,833 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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The area displays high cultural diversity, with 29.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 43.7% born outside Australia. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 30.0% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 1.6% of residents compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 35 years is slightly younger than the Greater Sydney median of 37 and the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 27.5% of the population compared to Greater Sydney, whereas children aged 5 - 14 make up a smaller share at 4.8%. This concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 is well above the national share of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 10.2% to 13.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.6% to 11.1% and the 55 to 64 group declined from to . Population projections for indicate significant shifting demographics, with the to age cohort projected to grow by people () from to while declines are projected for the to and to age cohorts.

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Redfern currently has an estimated 526 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 314 children aged 0-2 and 210 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 486 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 604. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.