Sylvania Waters (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population estimates for the wider region, alongside newly confirmed address data from Districts since the Census, the suburb of Sylvania Waters has a projected population of approximately 3,028 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 172 people (5.4%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,200 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 3,016, computed by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with an additional 9 validated new addresses following the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 2,856 persons per square kilometer, placing the location within the highest national quartile analyzed by Districts. Recent population gains were almost exclusively supported by overseas migration, which served as the primary driver of growth.

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Sylvania Waters boasts a highly qualified labor force with a notable concentration of professional services workers, alongside an unemployment rate of just 3.8%, derived from Districts compilations of regional statistics. In March 2026, 1,687 citizens were employed, with the local unemployment rate tracking 0.3% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, and labor force participation matching the regional rate of 69.1% closely. Census records show that a substantial 35.7% of employed residents worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of COVID-19 restriction periods.

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According to the most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, Sylvania Waters recorded a median taxpayer income of $59,666 and an average of $94,743. This is exceptionally high on a national scale, although the median is below the Greater Sydney median of $60,817 and the average exceeds the regional average of $83,003. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate figures of roughly $65,824 (median) and $104,520 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household incomes are in the top tier nationally, placing at the 86th percentile ($2,371 weekly). The largest income segment consists of 29.7% of residents (899 people) in the $1,500 - bracket, similar to the wider metropolitan region where are in this range. High-income earners are highly visible, with earning more than weekly, pointing to significant spending capacity. Mortgage and rent costs take up of earnings, yet strong wages keep net disposable income in the th percentile, with a SEIFA income status in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in Sylvania Waters at the time of the latest Census consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (townhouses, flats, and alternative options), compared to 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings across the Sydney metro area. Home ownership rates in Sylvania Waters were much higher than the Sydney metro average at 43.9%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (40.5%) or rented (15.6%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly above the Sydney metro average at $3,000, and the median weekly rent stood at $600, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, Sylvania Waters' mortgage costs are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are far above the national average of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 82.0%, which is comprised of 44.4% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent arrangements. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.0%, with single person dwellings representing 15.5% and group households accounting for 2.4% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.9 people is higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment levels in Sylvania Waters are lower than metropolitan averages, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree, compared to 38.0% across Greater Sydney. This difference suggests opportunities for further training and educational advancement. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate study (7.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 33.4% of citizens aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (21.4%).

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Public transport connectivity includes 23 stops operating within Sylvania Waters, consisting of bus services. These points of access are serviced by 7 separate routes, which combine to offer 372 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as outstanding, with homes situated an average of 154 meters from the closest stop. Because the suburb is mostly residential, most workers commute out of the area, and private vehicles remain the primary choice for 92% of commuters. Average car ownership is 1.9 per household, exceeding the metropolitan average. A high 35.7% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by lockdown conditions.

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Public health metrics reveal excellent outcomes throughout Sylvania Waters, according to Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illnesses, which show low rates of common health conditions across all demographics. Additionally, the level of private medical insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 64% of the population (1,946 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Sylvania Waters ranks highly for cultural mix, with 32.7% of its residents born outside of Australia and 38.9% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 68.3% of the community, compared to 49.2% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age of 43 in Sylvania Waters is much higher than the Greater Sydney average of 37, and sits well above the national median of 38. Residents in the 55 - 64 age bracket are highly represented (13.9%), whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (11.0%) than the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 13.0% to 14.5% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort contracted from 11.8% to 10.4%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Sylvania Waters' age distribution. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow steadily, adding people () to rise from to . The combined age groups of and over will make up of total population growth, reflecting a maturing community. In contrast, the to and to brackets are projected to experience population losses.

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Sylvania Waters currently has an estimated 136 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 78 children aged 0-2 and 52 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 120 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 256. 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.