Telopea (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Telopea's population is estimated at around 5,284 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 72 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,356 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,270, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,619 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Telopea possesses a highly qualified workforce, with a notable concentration in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and an annual job growth rate estimated at 1.4% according to aggregated regional statistics from Districts. By March 2026, there were 2,798 employed residents. The local unemployment level sits 0.9% higher than the Greater Sydney benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is highly aligned with the metropolitan average of 69.1%. Census records show that a substantial 45.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in Telopea earn a median income of $45,479 and an average of $62,536. This is below the national average and compares to a median of $60,817 and an average of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $50,172 for the median and $68,990 for the average by March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal earnings in Telopea are modest, ranking in the 28th to 33rd percentiles. The most common weekly income band is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 30.1% of residents (1,590 people), mirroring the surrounding region where of households fall into this category. Financial pressure from housing is significant, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the rd percentile, while the SEIFA income index ranks the locality in the th decile.

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The mix of housing types in Telopea at the time of the latest Census consisted of 34.9% detached houses and 65.1% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to the wider Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Telopea lagged behind the Sydney metropolitan average, standing at 21.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (30.7%) or tenants renting (47.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Sydney metropolitan average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent was $370, compared to metropolitan figures of $2,427 and $470. On a national level, mortgage commitments in Telopea are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas typical rents are below the national benchmark of $375.

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Families represent the majority of local households at 65.9%, which includes 32.6% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 12.0% single parents. The remaining 34.1% of households are non-family arrangements, with single-person households representing 31.0% and shared houses making up 3.0%. The typical household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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The educational profile of the local community is distinct within the region, as university completion rates stand at 40.0% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the Australian average of 30.4% and the state average for NSW of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 25.3%, followed by postgraduate study at 12.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and vocational qualifications are also common, with 26.1% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 15.3%.

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Analysis of the local network shows 31 active public transit stops in Telopea, comprising a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 13 distinct routes, providing a total of 2,995 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel for 81% of commuters, while 10% travel by train and 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of residents, 45.3%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

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Telopea displays positive health indicators based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness, with both younger and older cohorts showing low rates of typical medical conditions. Private health insurance coverage is relatively low, held by approximately 52% of the local population (~2,730 people), which is lower than the Greater Sydney average of 59.9%.

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Telopea ranks among the most multicultural communities nationally, with 54.1% of residents born outside Australia and 61.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.6% of the population. The most pronounced religious divergence is in Buddhism, which represents 5.6% of the population, compared to 4.1% across Greater Sydney.

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The local median age is 40, which is higher than the Greater Sydney figure of 37 and slightly higher than the national median of 38 years. Compared to the wider Sydney metropolitan area, there is a higher concentration of residents in the 55 - 64 age bracket (12.5% locally) and a lower concentration of people aged 25 - 34 (12.9%). Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 13.6% to 12.5%. Long-term modeling suggests the age profile will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 bracket projected to expand by people () from to .

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Telopea currently has an estimated 264 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 144 children aged 0-2 and 96 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 12% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 297 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 551. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.5 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.