St Clair (NSW)

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The suburb of St Clair (Penrith - NSW) has an estimated population of around 20,556 as of May 2026, according to ABS population updates and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census. This represents an increase of 614 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,942 people. The adjustment is derived from a resident population of 20,529, as estimated by Districts after reviewing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and accounting for an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density ratio of 2,855 persons per square kilometer, situating the area in the upper quartile compared to national locations evaluated by Districts. The 3.1% growth since the census places the suburb within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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A high concentration of industrial and manufacturing workers characterizes the local labor pool, which registers a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 10,912, representing an unemployment rate that is 0.8 percentage points lower than the 4.1% recorded across Greater Sydney, while local participation levels align closely with the metropolitan average of 69.1%. Census records show that 29.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was influenced by pandemic-related health restrictions.

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Taxpayer records from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show a median income of $56,872 and an average of $63,145 in this postcode. These figures sit below the national average and contrast with Greater Sydney's median of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current equivalents are estimated at approximately $62,741 for the median and $69,662 for the average as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 ranks local family, personal, and household earnings around the 64th percentile nationwide. Income distributions reveal that the largest bracket contains 38.6% of taxpayers (7,934 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the wider region where of the population falls into this group. High housing costs account for of local earnings, yet strong overall compensation keeps net disposable income at the th percentile, with the local SEIFA ranking falling into the th decile.

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According to the last census, residential housing consists of 98.5% detached homes and 1.4% other formats like apartments and townhouses, differing from the wider metropolitan area which consists of 55.9% detached homes and 44.1% multi-unit formats. Home ownership rates stand at 31.2%, which is higher than the Sydney average, with the remaining houses held under mortgages (47.1%) or occupied by tenants (21.7%). The median monthly home loan payment of $2,167 is considerably below the metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rental rate is $440, compared to $470 across Greater Sydney. On a national level, monthly mortgage payments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national average of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of local homes at 84.1%, consisting of 43.3% couples with offspring, 25.1% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 15.9%, with single-person households making up 14.2% and group living situations representing 1.7%. The median household size stands at 3.0 individuals, which is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The region presents low levels of tertiary attainment, with university completion rates at 17.1%, which is significantly lower than the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees account for 12.7%, postgraduate degrees represent 3.3%, and graduate diplomas make up 1.1%. Vocational and trade training is highly represented, with 37.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing technical qualifications, including 10.1% holding advanced diplomas and 27.5% possessing certificates.

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Public transport services in the area include 102 operational bus stops. These locations are serviced by 32 separate routes, which accommodate 1,440 passenger journeys each week. Transport access is rated as good, with homes situated an average of 205 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the suburb, most workers travel outside the area, and private vehicles remain the primary commuting choice at 91%. Dwellings have an average of 1.8 cars, exceeding the regional baseline. A high proportion of residents (29.2%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Based on local mortality and chronic illness rates, health indicators are consistent with national baselines, though common medical conditions among older cohorts are slightly elevated compared to national averages. Private health insurance coverage is slightly lower than the SA2 average, held by approximately 52% of the local population (representing ~10,672 individuals), compared to a coverage level of 59.9% across Greater Sydney.

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Cultural diversity is exceptionally high in this neighborhood compared to most domestic markets, with 28.3% of the population born outside Australia and 25.6% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant faith, practiced by 63.6% of the population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 36 years is similar to the Greater Sydney average of 37 and slightly below the national median of 38. The local population features a higher share of residents aged 65 - 74 (10.8%) compared to Greater Sydney, but a lower proportion of individuals aged 25 - 34 (12.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 2.8% to 4.6%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 12.6% to 14.2%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.6% to 11.4%, and the 25 to cohort decreased from to . By demographic models project significant shifts in the age structure. The to bracket is expected to grow by , adding people to reach a total of . Senior citizens aged and over are projected to account for of overall population growth, highlighting a distinct aging trend, while the cohorts aged to and to are expected to decrease in size.

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St Clair currently has an estimated 1,295 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 764 children aged 0-2 and 509 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 4% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 1,124 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,168. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.