St Ives (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of St Ives (NSW) has a population calculated to be approximately 19,647 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,263 people (6.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 18,384 residents. This variation is calculated from the resident population of 19,580, determined by Districts after analyzing the ABS's most recent ERP data release (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count represents a density ratio of 1,373 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical rate observed across national sites evaluated by Districts. The 6.9% increase in the suburb of St Ives (NSW) since the 2021 census was higher than the SA3 area (4.4%) and the SA4 region, making it a local leader in growth. Overseas migration served as the primary contributor to population growth for the area, acting as almost the sole driver of population growth over the latest time frames.

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St Ives has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector exceptionally well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 9,354 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than the Greater Sydney rate of 4.1%, whereas workforce participation is notably lower (61.1% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney). Census figures show a high 60.1% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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The suburb of St Ives shows a median taxpayer income of $62,367 and an average of $110,054 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $68,803 (median) and $121,412 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in St Ives, between the 84th and 95th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $4000+ earnings band captures 37.0% of the community (7,269 individuals), differing from patterns across regional levels where - dominates with . The substantial proportion of high earners ( above /week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. 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.

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The mix of housing in St Ives at the most recent Census consisted of 66.2% standalone houses and 33.7% other housing types (semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Sydney metro profile of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in St Ives was much higher than the Sydney metro level, standing at 42.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (40.6%) or tenants (16.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average at $3,467, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $688, compared to Sydney metro figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage payments in St Ives are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national average of $375.

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Families represent the vast majority of households at 82.0%, consisting of 46.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.0%, with single person households representing 17.0% and group households making up 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people exceeds the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Academic qualifications in St Ives are significantly higher than broad benchmarks, with 54.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This marked educational advantage positions the area well for knowledge-intensive fields. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (17.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational paths account for 20.1% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (8.8%).

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Analysis of public transit indicates 116 active transport stops are in service in the suburb of St Ives (NSW), consisting of various bus options. These stops are served by 93 separate routes, which combine to deliver 2,240 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as outstanding, with residents generally residing 185 meters from the closest transport stop. Being a mostly residential area, the majority of residents travel outward to work, with cars being the primary mode of travel at 85% and train travel at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per household, which is above the regional average. A high 60.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 settings).

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Health indicators demonstrate excellent results throughout St Ives, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic condition prevalence, which shows a very low occurrence of common health issues across all age groups, while the level of private health insurance is exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (13,807 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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St Ives displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.2% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 48.6% born overseas. The most common religion in St Ives is Christianity, representing 43.6% of residents. However, the most distinct overrepresentation is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 8.5% of the population, vastly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 0.8%.

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The 43-year median age in St Ives is considerably higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.0%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (5.4%) than in Greater Sydney. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 4.8% to 3.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in St Ives's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 847 people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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St Ives currently has an estimated 726 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 412 children aged 0-2 and 275 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 648 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,589. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.