The Ponds (NSW)

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Based on reviews of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region and address records confirmed by Districts after the Census, the population of the suburb of The Ponds is calculated to be approximately 15,119 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 1,196 individuals (7.3%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 16,315 individuals. The deduction is drawn from the local headcount of 14,650, computed by Districts following analysis of the newest ERP dataset from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 94 confirmed new addresses since the Census date. This size of population translates to a density of 3,251 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of all domestic areas analyzed by Districts. Throughout the past ten years, the suburb of The Ponds has shown durable expansion trends with a 3.4% compound annual growth rate, faster than the SA4 region. Population expansion in the locality was mostly driven by interstate arrivals, which made up approximately 62.0% of total gains in recent times, though all inputs including overseas arrivals and natural expansion remained positive contributors.

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The local workforce is highly qualified, with the technology field showing exceptionally strong representation, and the jobless rate stands at only 1.5%, according to Districts compilations of statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, 7,400 residents are employed, which means the unemployment rate is 2.6% below the rate of 4.1% in Greater Sydney, while labor force participation is generally on par with the 69.1% seen in Greater Sydney. Census responses indicate that a substantial 58.7% of residents worked from their homes, although the influence of Covid-19 restrictions must be kept in mind.

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Tax statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 reveal that the median taxpayer income stands at $74,276, with the average at $88,430. This represents an exceptionally high level across the nation, compared to Greater Sydney where the median is $60,817 and the average is $83,003. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current projections indicate levels of approximately $81,941 (median) and $97,556 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census income metrics show that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, placing in the 91st to 98th percentiles across the country. The distribution shows that 34.7% of the population (5,246 individuals) earn more than $4000+, whereas regional patterns show that fall in the - bracket. Economic wealth is reflected in the of households that attain high weekly incomes exceeding which sustains high consumer demand. Elevated housing expenses consume of earnings, yet strong wages ensure that disposable income remains in the th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, residential structures in the area consisted of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Sydney metro which had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other options. At the same time, the rate of outright home ownership stood at 12.4%, falling behind the Sydney metro average, with the remaining homes occupied by individuals with a mortgage (64.9%) or renters (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Sydney metro average of $2,427, sitting at $3,000, whereas the median weekly rent was recorded at $643 compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationwide, mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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Families represent the vast majority of households at 92.3%, consisting of couples with children at 69.9%, couples without children at 14.8%, and single parents at 7.2%. Non-family living situations account for the remaining 7.7%, with single person homes at 6.6% and shared group households representing 1.2% of the total. The median household occupancy of 3.5 residents is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Academic credentials in the area are far higher than wider averages, with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This distinct academic advantage positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 31.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (17.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Professional and vocational qualifications are held by 21.5% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (11.1%).

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Public transport analysis identifies 71 active passenger stops in the suburb of The Ponds, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 46 individual routes, which combined offer 2,993 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is ranked as good, with residents living an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop. Since this is mainly a residential area, most workers commute out of the area, and cars remain the primary choice at 81%, with 13% taking the train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per home, which is higher than the regional average. A high 58.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health assessments indicate outstanding well-being across the locality, according to Districts studies of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, with younger age groups showing a particularly low incidence of common health issues. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 62% of the population (9,345 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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The locality is ranked among the most multicultural communities in the nation, with 57.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 53.8% born overseas. The leading religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 37.7% of local residents. However, the most distinct variation is seen in Hinduism, which represents 26.1% of the population, significantly exceeding the Greater Sydney average of 5.2%.

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The median age of 36 years nearly matches the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is slightly below the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, there is a higher concentration of residents aged 5 - 14 (21.7%) and a smaller share of young adults aged 25 - 34 (6.1%). This proportion of 5 - 14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, demographic aging is apparent as the median age rose from 35 to 36 years. The primary shifts reveal that the 45 to 54 age bracket expanded from 12.3% to 16.1% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 10.2% to . In contrast, the to age bracket declined from to , and the to age cohort fell from to . Projections for point to major shifts in local demographics. The to age cohort is forecast to rise substantially, adding people () to go from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the aging profile. Meanwhile, the to age cohort is expected to contract by residents.

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The Ponds currently has an estimated 846 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 512 children aged 0-2 and 341 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 33% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 944 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,078. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.