Sylvania (NSW)

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An examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Sylvania has an estimated population of approximately 10,108 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 641 people (6.0%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 10,749 people. This shift is derived from a resident population of 10,084, which Districts calculated after analyzing the most recent ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the area has a density ratio of 3,008 persons per square kilometer, ranking it in the top quartile of national settings evaluated by Districts. The main driver of population growth in the area was overseas migration, which acted as virtually the only source of population increases in recent times.

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The local workforce is highly educated, featuring a significant share of professional services workers and an unemployment rate of 4.0%, according to statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, the employed population stood at 5,294 individuals, with the joblessness rate closely matching the 4.1% seen across Greater Sydney, while the participation rate of 64.8% fell slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 69.1%. Census data indicates that a substantial 40.9% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.

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ATO statistics at the postcode level, compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, show that the suburb of Sylvania has a median taxpayer income of $54,478 and an average taxpayer income of $86,505. These figures represent high levels on a national scale, compared to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 across Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated projections suggest figures of roughly $60,100 (median) and $95,432 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 places household, family, and individual incomes in Sylvania near the 60th percentile nationally. Earnings data shows that 28.5% of residents (2,880 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, which aligns with the regional proportion of in this range. A high concentration of top earners exists, with of the population receiving over /week, pointing to significant financial resources in the area. Although local housing expenses take up of household income, strong earnings keep disposable income levels at the st percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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At the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 59.8% standalone houses and 40.1% alternative options such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% alternative dwellings across the Sydney metropolitan region. Home ownership rates in Sylvania reached 43.0%, exceeding the metropolitan average, while mortgaged properties accounted for 34.9% and rental properties made up 22.1%. Monthly mortgage payments in the suburb typically sat at $2,730, which is higher than the Sydney metropolitan median of $2,427, and the median weekly rent was $530, compared to the metropolitan benchmark of $470. These local housing costs also exceed national figures, where the median mortgage payment is $1,863 and the median rent is $375.

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Families constitute the vast majority of households at 74.6%, which consists of 36.3% couples raising children, 26.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single-parent households. Single or group living arrangements make up the remaining 25.4%, with individuals living alone representing 24.0% and shared households accounting for 1.4%. The average home occupancy in the area is 2.6 people, slightly below the Greater Sydney standard of 2.7.

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Tertiary attainment rates present some room for growth, as 27.7% of residents hold a university qualification compared to the Greater Sydney average of 38.0%. Among these degrees, bachelor programs are the most common at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate studies at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational qualifications are highly prevalent, with 34.9% of the population aged 15+ holding technical credentials, comprising advanced diplomas at 13.3% and certificates at 21.6%.

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Commuting infrastructure in Sylvania features 46 operational transit stops offering bus services. These locations are connected to 22 routes that deliver a combined 1,087 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is high, with average distances of 151 meters to the closest stop. Given the residential character of the area, most workers commute to external employment hubs, with private vehicles accounting for 87% of journeys and rail transit making up 6%. Households average 1.5 vehicles, which is above the metropolitan average, while 40.9% of employed residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, potentially due to pandemic conditions.

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Medical statistics indicate favorable results for the local population, with Districts investigations of mortality and illness showing outcomes similar to national levels. While standard health issues are uncommon in the general population, they are more prevalent among senior, high-risk groups, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high, covering 61% of the population (6,171 people) compared to a national average of 55.7%.

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The community demonstrates higher cultural diversity than most locations, with 25.6% of residents born outside Australia and 26.4% communicating in a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, practiced by 68.1% of the local population, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 46 years is higher than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to the broader metropolitan area, the 75 - 84 age group shows a strong presence at 10.5%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 8.9%. Since the 2021 Census, residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.6% to 11.8% of the population, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.1%. Demographic projections for 2041 point to shifts, with the cohort aged 85+ expected to grow by 415 people (75%), rising from 555 to . This aging trend is prominent, as individuals aged + account for of the projected increase, while the to and to groups are forecast to contract.

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Sylvania currently has an estimated 464 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 260 children aged 0-2 and 173 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 10% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 14% by 2041 (to approximately 400 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 855. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.