Riverwood (NSW)

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Drawing from ABS population data updates for the broader zone alongside address points verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Riverwood has an estimated population of 14,158 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 1,365 people (10.7%) from the 2021 Census, when the recorded population was 12,793 people. This trend is derived from the resident count of 14,084, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 149 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such figures represent a density ratio of 3,687 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Riverwood in the top quartile of Australian locations examined by Districts. The suburb of Riverwood outpaced both the SA4 region (6.5%) and the state with its 10.7% growth rate since the 2021 census, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population increases were primarily driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 85.0% of total population additions during the latest timeframes.

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Riverwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 8.3%, and an estimated 3.4% growth in employment over the last year, based on Districts aggregates of statistical area figures. As of March 2026, 6,773 residents are employed, although the unemployment rate is 4.2% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.1%, indicating space for progress, and labor force participation is notably lower (59.7% relative to Greater Sydney's 69.1%). Census data reveals that a high 37.9% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 restrictions during that period should be taken into account.

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Based on Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, Riverwood residents recorded a median taxpayer income of $48,872 and an average taxpayer income of $64,586. These figures are below the national average and compare to $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) for Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these values at approximately $53,916 (median) and $71,251 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Riverwood are situated between the 7th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income distributions show that 27.3% of the population (3,865 individuals) are in the $1,500 - income bracket, which is similar to the wider area where this cohort accounts for . Pressures on housing affordability are substantial, with only of income remaining, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of dwelling types in Riverwood at the time of the latest Census was 38.1% houses and 61.9% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to Sydney metro's proportions of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Riverwood was behind the Sydney metro rate, standing at 19.9%, with the remaining dwellings either carrying a mortgage (24.0%) or being rented (56.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly lower than the Sydney metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Sydney metro figures of $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Riverwood's mortgage costs are notably above the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rental costs are significantly below the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 65.7% of all households, consisting of 28.5% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family living situations account for the remaining 34.3%, with single-person households representing 30.2% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment levels in Riverwood are below regional averages, with 30.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney. This difference suggests scope for educational progress and skill development. Bachelor degrees represent the largest segment at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (14.4%).

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Analysis of public transit reveals 94 active transport stops in Riverwood, consisting of train stations and bus stops. These stops are served by 18 separate routes, providing 3,998 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 122 meters from the closest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 68%, followed by trains at 21% and buses at 5%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high 37.9% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions).

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Health metrics point to positive trends for Riverwood residents, with Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and health states showing conditions generally consistent with national averages, low rates of common health issues across younger and older age brackets, and the level of private health insurance slightly exceeding the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the population (~7,430 people). This compares to 59.9% in Greater Sydney.

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Riverwood ranks as one of the most culturally diverse locations in the nation, with 66.4% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 58.5% born overseas. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.6% of the population. The most prominent religious variance is in Buddhism, which accounts for 7.6% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

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With a median age of 40, Riverwood is slightly older than Greater Sydney at 37 years and marginally older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Sydney average, the 55 - 64 age bracket is over-represented (13.9% locally), whereas the 5 - 14 group is under-represented (8.3%). Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 6.4% to 8.6% of the population, and the 85+ cohort rose from 2.4% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.4% to 8.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort fell from to . Demographic projections indicate Riverwood's age composition will change by . The to cohort is projected to expand considerably, rising by people () from to . In contrast, the to group is expected to increase by a modest ( people).

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Riverwood currently has an estimated 566 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 366 children aged 0-2 and 243 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 603 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,002. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.