Zetland (NSW)

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Based on demographic assessments of ABS statistics for the surrounding district, combined with address records verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Zetland is projected to stand at approximately 14,993 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 2,371 individuals (18.8%) from the 12,622 residents documented in the 2021 Census. This growth is calculated from the local population of 14,991, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP statistics from the ABS (released June 2025) and an additional 1,554 verified new addresses since the Census date. With this population level, the area has a density of 18,741 residents per square kilometer, positioning it in the top 10% of all Australian locations tracked by Districts, demonstrating that local land is an extremely coveted commodity. The 18.8% growth rate of the suburb of Zetland since the 2021 census outperformed the state increase of 7.1% as well as Greater Sydney, indicating its status as a regional growth leader. The population expansion was driven predominantly by overseas arrivals, who accounted for roughly of the overall population growth in recent times.

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The suburb of Zetland features a highly qualified labor force, particularly in the technology sector, with an unemployment rate of only 1.6% and an estimated 1.2% rise in employment over the past year, according to Districts regional data aggregation. In March 2026, there are 9,663 working residents, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.5% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is relatively typical (71.1% compared to 69.1% in Greater Sydney). Census figures show that a high 58.6% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of pandemic lockdown measures.

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The suburb of Zetland recorded a median taxpayer income of $69,129 and an average income of $84,315, based on the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year. This ranks among the highest tiers in the nation, exceeding Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average of $83,003. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates correspond to approximately $76,263 for median income and $93,016 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings reached the 93rd percentile nationally at $1,262. Looking at income cohorts, 35.6% of the population (5,337 residents) earn between $1,500 and which is comparable to the regional rate of . The high proportion of top earners ( above weekly) shows strong financial resources within the community. High housing costs take up of household income, but strong wages keep disposable income at the nd percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Zetland at the time of the latest Census consisted of 0.3% detached houses and 99.6% other property types (such as townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Sydney metropolitan distribution of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in the suburb of Zetland was below the Sydney metropolitan average at 7.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (20.2%) or occupied by tenants (72.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427 at $2,642, while the median weekly rent was $600 compared to $470 across metropolitan Sydney. Nationally, mortgage costs in the suburb of Zetland are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

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Families represent 53.1% of all households in the suburb of Zetland, which includes 11.4% couples with children, 35.4% couples without children, and 4.3% single parent households. The remaining 46.9% consists of non-family households, with single-person households at 31.7% and group households making up 15.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Academic achievement in the suburb of Zetland is higher than broader averages, with 61.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% across NSW. This educational profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 20.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational qualifications are held by 19.1% of residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (9.5%).

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Public transport data shows 24 active transit stops within the suburb of Zetland, which are served by buses. These stops accommodate 11 distinct routes that provide a total of 7,138 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transport is highly rated, with residents living an average of 110 meters from their nearest stop. Because this is a residential neighborhood, most working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 50%, followed by train travel at 19% and buses at 13%. Household vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per home, which is lower than the metropolitan average. Additionally, 58.6% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health data shows positive trends for the suburb of Zetland, according to Districts' analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, which reveals a low rate of common health issues across all age cohorts. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is high, covering roughly 60% of the population (9,025 residents).

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The suburb of Zetland ranks as one of the most multicultural communities in the nation, with 52.4% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 66.1% born overseas. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 30.5% of the population. The most notable religious concentration relative to regional averages is Judaism, which accounts for 1.2% of the population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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At 30 years, the median age in the suburb of Zetland is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and below the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, the suburb of Zetland has a larger concentration of residents aged 25 to 34 (40.3%) but fewer children aged 5 to 14 (3.7%). This concentration of 25 to 34 year olds is higher than the national share of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 17.7% to 20.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 demographic has decreased from 42.4% to 40.3%. Population modeling suggests the age structure will change by . The to cohort is projected to grow by people () from to while the to cohort is expected to decline by individuals.

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Zetland currently has an estimated 644 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 385 children aged 0-2 and 256 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 30% by 2041 (to approximately 834 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 446. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.