Population of Sydney Australia 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Population of Sydney 2025

Sydney stands as Australia’s undisputed population leader and most iconic metropolis, maintaining its position as the nation’s largest city despite intensifying competition from rapidly-growing Melbourne. The latest official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms that Greater Sydney’s population reached 5,557,233 people as of June 30, 2024, representing a 2.0% annual growth rate and an absolute increase of 107,538 people during the 2023-24 financial year. This milestone marks an all-time high for the Harbour City, cementing its status as Australia’s demographic, economic, and cultural powerhouse.

The population of Sydney Australia 2025 reflects a mature global metropolis experiencing steady growth while navigating significant challenges including housing affordability, infrastructure capacity, and the largest internal migration deficit of any Australian capital. As New South Wales’ capital and Australia’s financial hub, Greater Sydney accounts for approximately 68% of the state’s total population, demonstrating extreme urban centralization characteristic of Australian settlement patterns. The city’s expansion has been driven predominantly by net overseas migration of 120,900 people, making Sydney Australia’s premier international gateway despite the allure of Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. Natural increase contributed an additional 28,100 people through births exceeding deaths, while the city experienced a substantial negative internal migration of -41,500 people—the nation’s largest exodus of residents to other regions. This internal migration deficit reflects Sydney’s acute housing affordability crisis, with median dwelling prices exceeding $1.2 million in many suburbs, driving young families, first-home buyers, and retirees to seek more affordable opportunities in regional New South Wales, Queensland’s southeast, and Victoria. Despite this outflow, international migration ensures continued growth, though at a 2.0% rate significantly below Melbourne’s 2.7% and Perth’s 3.1%. With a population density of 449 people per square kilometer across the metropolitan area’s 12,367.7 square kilometers, Sydney presents dramatic contrasts between ultra-high-density inner suburbs and sprawling outer growth corridors stretching 70 kilometers west, 40 kilometers north, and 60 kilometers south from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Interesting Facts About Population of Sydney Australia 2025

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Regional Population 2023-24; National State and Territory Population March 2025; Time Out Sydney March 2025

These compelling statistics reveal Sydney’s complex demographic dynamics, where international appeal conflicts with domestic migration challenges creating a city that attracts global migrants while losing established residents. The annual increase of 107,538 people during 2023-24 positions Sydney as the second-fastest growing capital in absolute terms after Melbourne’s 142,600 people, but ahead of Brisbane (72,900) and Perth (72,700). However, Sydney’s 2.0% growth rate lags significantly behind Melbourne (2.7%), Brisbane (2.7%), and Perth (3.1%), reflecting the structural challenges constraining the Harbour City’s expansion. The massive net overseas migration of 120,900 people represents approximately 32.4% of Australia’s total overseas migration gain, highlighting Sydney’s enduring status as the nation’s primary international destination. This influx has been driven by Sydney’s four major universities enrolling over 150,000 international students from 180+ countries, skilled migration targeting the city’s finance, technology, healthcare, and professional services sectors, family reunion programs bringing relatives of established communities, and humanitarian settlement particularly from Middle Eastern and Asian refugee populations.

The negative internal migration of -41,500 people represents Sydney’s most significant demographic challenge, indicating that more residents leave for other Australian regions than arrive from interstate. This 41,100-person exodus dwarfs the internal migration deficits of other capitals, with Melbourne losing just -7,600 people and Adelaide -3,300 people. The outflow primarily targets regional New South Wales seeking lifestyle change and affordability, Queensland’s Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane for subtropical climate and lower living costs, and Melbourne for comparable career opportunities with relatively better housing affordability. Housing unaffordability emerges as the primary driver, with Sydney’s median house price reaching $1,173,000 as of late 2024 and median apartment prices around $700,000-800,000, forcing first-home buyers and young families to relocate or remain in expensive rental markets indefinitely. Affluent inner suburbs like Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay, and Bellevue Hill command median prices exceeding $3-5 million, while even outer western suburbs now demand $800,000-1.0 million for standard family homes.

The 43.2% overseas-born population according to the 2021 Census—approximately 2.26 million people—makes Sydney one of the world’s most multicultural cities, ranking 8th globally for immigrant population among major metropolitan areas. This extraordinary diversity surpasses Vancouver (42.5%), Los Angeles (37.7%), New York City (37.5%), and far exceeds European capitals like Paris (14.6%) and Berlin (**13%). Major communities include those from Mainland China (6.6% of Sydney’s population or ~345,000 people), India (5.5% or ~288,000 people), England (3.5% or ~183,000 people), Vietnam (2.0% or ~105,000 people), and Philippines (1.7% or ~89,000 people), creating vibrant ethnic neighborhoods from Cabramatta’s Vietnamese community to Eastwood’s Chinese precinct to Parramatta’s Indian population. Languages reflect this diversity, with 42.0% of Sydney residents speaking a language other than English at home, including Mandarin (5.0%), Arabic (4.2%), Cantonese (2.8%), Vietnamese (2.2%), and Hindi (1.5%). The historical growth from 1.69 million in 1950 to 5.56 million in 2024 represents a 230%+ increase, demonstrating Sydney’s transformation from a provincial British colonial city to a truly global metropolis over seven decades.

Current Population Growth Statistics Sydney 2025

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Regional Population 2023-24; National State and Territory Population March 2025; The World Data Population Australia 2025

The current population growth statistics Sydney 2025 showcase a metropolis experiencing moderate but sustainable expansion constrained by Australia’s most severe housing affordability challenges. The annual increase of 107,538 people during the 2023-24 financial year represents the second-largest numeric growth of any Australian city, surpassing Brisbane (72,900 people) and Perth (72,700 people) but trailing Melbourne’s sector-leading 142,600 people. Sydney’s 2.0% growth rate marks a significant deceleration from the 2.7% growth recorded in 2022-23, reflecting both the normalization of post-pandemic migration and the intensifying challenges of accommodating population growth in one of the world’s most expensive housing markets. This moderation represents the slowest growth rate Sydney has experienced since the 2020-21 pandemic year, when borders were closed and the city briefly recorded population decline.

The components driving Sydney’s growth reveal a city heavily dependent on international migration to offset domestic population losses. Net overseas migration of 120,900 people during 2023-24 represents approximately 113% of total population growth, meaning that without international arrivals, Sydney’s population would actually be declining due to more deaths than births relative to internal migration. This extraordinary reliance on overseas migration stems from Sydney’s global reputation, extensive international connections, concentration of multinational corporations and headquarters, Australia’s largest international airport (handling over 40 million passengers annually), and established multicultural communities attracting chain migration. The overseas migration figure, while substantial, decreased from the record 134,024 people in 2022-23, suggesting the post-pandemic surge is moderating toward historical norms of 100,000-120,000 annual gains.

Natural increase of +28,100 people represented a modest growth component, with births exceeding deaths by this margin. Sydney’s relatively mature median age of 37 years places proportionally fewer women in peak childbearing ages compared to younger cities like Darwin or Perth. The fertility rate stands at approximately 1.63 children per woman according to recent NSW data, well below the replacement rate of 2.1, indicating that without migration, Sydney’s population would eventually decline. The city recorded approximately 68,000-70,000 annual births against roughly 40,000-42,000 deaths, creating the modest natural increase. Outer suburbs show higher birth rates characteristic of young family settlements, while inner suburbs with aging populations or high concentrations of childless professionals record minimal or negative natural increase.

The negative internal migration of -41,500 people during 2023-24 represents Sydney’s most alarming demographic trend, dramatically worsening from the -14,899 people in 2022-23. This means that nearly three times as many established Sydney residents left for other Australian locations than arrived from interstate compared to the previous year, signaling an accelerating exodus driven by housing unaffordability. The internal migration data revealed internal arrivals from other regions but substantially higher departures to regional New South Wales (estimated 15,000-20,000 net loss) as families sought coastal lifestyle and affordable housing in areas like Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong, and South Coast, Queensland’s southeast (estimated 10,000-15,000 net loss) for subtropical climate and housing prices 30-40% below Sydney’s, Melbourne (estimated 3,000-5,000 net loss) for comparable career opportunities with relatively better housing access, and Perth and Adelaide (combined 2,000-3,000 net loss) for mining sector employment and affordable property.

Box Hill-Nelson in Sydney’s outer northwest captured the city’s largest population increase of 4,000 people at a remarkable 22% growth rate, driven by master-planned estates, the Sydney Metro Northwest rail line, and relative affordability compared to established suburbs. The CBD and Haymarket recorded the largest net overseas migration gain of approximately 1,400-2,900 people (estimates vary by source), predominantly international students attending the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and UNSW Sydney, plus young professionals in apartment developments. Regional NSW grew by 90,700 people at a 2.0% rate, exactly matching Greater Sydney’s growth, demonstrating that the regions are competitive alternatives rather than stagnant backwaters, capturing retirees, lifestyle changers, and families priced out of metropolitan housing.

Population Projections Sydney Australia 2025-2050

Data Source: NSW Government Population Projections 2021-2056; Australian Bureau of Statistics Population Projections; Quantiphy NSW Suburbs Population Forecasts

The population projections Sydney Australia 2025-2050 forecast a metropolis that will continue growing substantially but at rates significantly slower than Melbourne, culminating in the historic moment when Sydney cedes its 240-year reign as Australia’s largest city. Under the high growth scenario, Greater Sydney is projected to reach 5.9-6.0 million people by 2031, 6.5-6.7 million by 2041, and 7.2-7.5 million by 2051. This would represent adding 1.9-2.2 million people over three decades—roughly equivalent to adding another Adelaide to Sydney’s current population. The medium growth scenario projects more conservative increases to 6.7-7.0 million by 2051, adding 1.4-1.7 million people, while the low scenario forecasts 6.3-6.5 million, still representing substantial expansion of 1.0-1.2 million residents.

All scenarios converge on one historic inevitability: Melbourne will overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous city sometime between 2031-2032, ending Sydney’s demographic dominance dating to the First Fleet landing in 1788. This overtake reflects sustained differential growth rates, with Melbourne adding 140,000-150,000 people annually versus Sydney’s 100,000-110,000 people, creating a 30,000-40,000 person annual gap. At current trajectories, Melbourne requires approximately 6-7 years to close the 206,528 person difference recorded in June 2024. This historic shift carries profound implications for infrastructure investment priorities, political representation and power, economic activity concentration, and national identity, as the financial capital (Sydney) yields population supremacy to the cultural and sporting capital (Melbourne).

Growth rates show expected moderation over time as Sydney confronts constraints including limited developable land within reasonable commuting distance, infrastructure capacity limits on transport, water, and utilities, environmental restrictions protecting Sydney’s harbor foreshores and natural areas, housing supply unable to keep pace with demand creating permanent affordability challenges, and policy interventions potentially managing growth to improve livability. The high scenario peaks at approximately 60,000-70,000 people annually in the 2020s-2030s, then moderates to 55,000-60,000 by the 2040s. This reflects the mathematical base effect creating slower percentage increases, aging demographics reducing births and working-age migration, and Sydney approaching effective capacity without radical policy changes enabling greater urban density.

Spatially, projections identify dramatic variations across Greater Sydney with the western growth corridor capturing the lion’s share of population increase. The Austral-Greendale-Badgerys Creek area in Sydney’s southwest will add an astonishing 54,000 people by 2041, more than any other region, driven by the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opening in 2026 and associated Aerotropolis development creating 200,000 jobs. Nearby Cobbitty-Bringelly will add 41,000 residents, while Box Hill-Nelson in the northwest will increase by approximately 42,000 people. The Marsden Park-Shanes Park area and Leppington-Catherine Field will each add 15,000-20,000 residents, transforming former farmland into bustling outer suburbs.

Conversely, many inner harbor suburbs will experience population stagnation or slight declines due to limited available land, heritage protection restrictions, aging populations downsizing, and prohibitive housing costs preventing new household formation. Balmain, Potts Point-Woolloomooloo, Mosman, Hunters Hill (adding only 333 people through 2041), and affluent eastern suburbs like Waverley and Woollahra (projected +0.5% growth) will remain largely unchanged. The Northern Beaches will increase modestly to 275,846 from 264,567 in 2021, constrained by geographic isolation and limited transport options. Greater Parramatta, positioning itself as Sydney’s “Central River City” with major commercial developments, will capture significant growth as employment decentralizes from the traditional CBD.

These projections carry substantial uncertainty depending on federal immigration policy changes, NSW government infrastructure investment decisions, climate change impacts including bushfire risk and heat stress, global economic conditions affecting job opportunities, and housing policy reforms enabling greater density or peripheral expansion. Nevertheless, they provide essential guidance for planning Sydney’s evolution from a 5.5+ million to potentially a 7+ million person metropolis, requiring 500,000-700,000 additional dwellings, massive transport infrastructure including Metro West, Metro Southwest, and Metro Western Sydney Airport, expanded healthcare and education capacity, and water security investments to sustain the growing population.

Age Distribution and Demographics Sydney 2025

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Census 2021; Demographics of Sydney Wikipedia; Community Profiles Greater Sydney

The age distribution and demographics Sydney 2025 reveal a relatively mature but economically productive metropolitan population that balances youthful dynamism with established middle-age residents. Sydney’s median age of 37 years according to the 2021 Census positions it as a mature capital, younger than Adelaide (39.2 years) and Hobart (39.3 years) but older than Melbourne (36.6 years) and significantly older than Darwin (33 years). This places Sydney in the demographic “sweet spot” with sufficient working-age population to drive economic growth while maintaining established households with purchasing power and stability. However, Sydney is notably older than its own median age of 35.8 years recorded in the 2011 Census, reflecting the national aging trend as baby boomers transition into retirement and younger Australians increasingly choose Melbourne or Brisbane over Sydney’s high living costs.

The concentration of 20 to 44-year-olds comprising 39-40% of Greater Sydney’s population demonstrates the city’s enduring appeal to working-age adults despite affordability challenges. This cohort drives Sydney’s economy as professionals in finance, technology, healthcare, education, and professional services concentrated in the CBD and key employment hubs including North Sydney, Parramatta, Macquarie Park, and Norwest. However, this proportion has declined from historical levels as young professionals increasingly opt for Melbourne’s relatively affordable inner suburbs or Brisbane’s lifestyle appeal. Within this working-age cohort, young professionals aged 25-35 represent approximately 16-18% of Sydney’s population, concentrated in inner suburbs like Surry Hills, Newtown, Redfern, Glebe, and apartment towers in the CBD, Green Square, Zetland, and Mascot.

The 0-14 years age group representing 18-19% of the population indicates a moderate presence of children and families, slightly below the national average but higher than inner-city areas with minimal family housing. This proportion varies dramatically by location: outer suburbs like Box Hill-Nelson (35% children), Austral-Greendale (30%+ children), and Leppington-Catherine Field (32% children) show extraordinarily high child concentrations characteristic of new housing estates attracting young families. Conversely, inner suburbs like the CBD (<5% children), Surry Hills (8%), Potts Point (7%), and Pyrmont (9%) have minimal child populations, dominated by singles, couples, and international students in apartment developments.

The 65+ years cohort comprising 16-17% of Sydney’s population is substantially lower than regional NSW’s 22%, reflecting patterns where retirees often relocate to coastal retirement destinations like Central Coast, Port Macquarie, and South Coast seeking affordable housing and lifestyle amenities. However, specific Sydney suburbs show dramatically different elderly concentrations: retirement-focused areas like Cronulla, parts of the Northern Beaches, and eastern suburbs enclaves house substantial elderly populations exceeding 25-30%, while family-oriented outer suburbs record elderly populations under 10%. The sex ratio in Sydney averages approximately 49% males and 51% females, with regional variations including inner-city areas like Pyrmont and Surry Hills showing higher male proportions due to young professional concentrations, while aged-care-rich suburbs show higher female proportions reflecting women’s longer life expectancy.

The working-age population of 15-64 years accounting for 66-67% of residents provides a robust labor force and tax base essential for Sydney’s economic dominance. This proportion exceeds regional NSW and most other capitals, giving Sydney a competitive advantage in attracting corporate headquarters and skilled industries. However, demographic projections suggest this proportion will decline to approximately 61-63% by 2041-2051 as baby boomers age into retirement and fertility rates remain below replacement, necessitating continued high immigration to maintain workforce levels. Sydney’s aging trajectory shows gradual increases, with the proportion of residents over 65 rising from 13% in 2001 to 16-17% in 2021, projected to reach 21-23% by 2041. This creates growing demand for aged care services, retirement housing, age-appropriate transport, and healthcare infrastructure, while potentially constraining economic dynamism if not offset by continued migration of working-age people.

Understanding these demographic dynamics is essential for businesses targeting Sydney’s affluent middle-age consumers, real estate developers balancing family housing in outer suburbs with apartments for young professionals and downsizing retirees, healthcare providers planning for aging populations, and policymakers managing the tensions between maintaining economic vitality through migration while addressing infrastructure capacity and housing affordability that drive young families away from Australia’s most important economic center.

Fastest Growing Suburbs and Areas Sydney 2025

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional Population 2023-24; Australian Conveyancer Fastest Growing Suburbs 2025; North Removals Analysis

The fastest growing suburbs and areas Sydney 2025 showcase explosive outer suburban expansion concentrated overwhelmingly in the northwest and southwest growth corridors, where affordable land enables large-scale residential development despite lengthy commutes. Box Hill-Nelson stands as Sydney’s fastest-growing area with an extraordinary 22% annual growth rate, adding approximately 4,000 residents during 2023-24. This northwestern suburb’s meteoric rise stems from transformative infrastructure including the Sydney Metro Northwest, Australia’s first fully-automated metro line opened in 2019 providing 15-minute CBD access, massive master-planned communities including Box Hill development with thousands of homes, new schools and shopping centers delivering complete community amenities, and relative affordability with median house prices around $1.0-1.1 million sitting roughly $100,000-200,000 below Sydney’s overall median despite modern housing stock.

Marsden Park-Shanes Park ranks second with 15-20% growth and 3,500-4,200 new residents, driven by continuous greenfield land release transforming farmland into residential estates, proximity to employment hubs including the Marsden Park Industrial Precinct housing logistics and manufacturing, improved road infrastructure including Richmond Road upgrades, and affordability targeting first-home buyers and young families. This area recorded an astonishing 20% growth in some measurement periods, with the broader Riverstone-Marsden Park region adding 29,387 people between 2011-2021 at a 12.1% annual growth rate—the fastest decade-long expansion in all of NSW.

Austral-Greendale in Sydney’s outer southwest recorded 12-18% growth with 2,700-3,000 new residents, positioning itself as the epicenter of Sydney’s future expansion. The transformative catalyst is the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, scheduled to open in 2026 and expected to generate 200,000 jobs by 2060 in the surrounding Aerotropolis. Government projections forecast the Austral-Greendale-Badgerys Creek area adding 54,000 people by 2041—more than any other Sydney region. Current median house prices remain around $1.0-1.1 million, representing substantial value for brand-new homes with generous blocks compared to established suburbs demanding $1.5-2.0 million+. The Elizabeth Drive and M7/M12 Motorway upgrades provide improving connectivity, while master-planned communities deliver schools, parks, and retail upfront rather than decades after settlement.

The northwest corridor continues dominating Sydney’s growth landscape. Schofields East added 2,700 people with 10-15% growth, benefiting from established rail access, maturing infrastructure, and successful community formation attracting subsequent waves of buyers. Leppington-Catherine Field in the southwest maintains 12-15% growth with the Southwest Rail Link providing direct CBD connection in under 60 minutes, numerous estates under construction, and proximity to the future Aerotropolis. Cobbitty-Bringelly projects +41,000 people by 2041, representing explosive long-term expansion as the airport precinct matures and employment opportunities multiply.

Surprisingly, the Sydney CBD-Haymarket area appears among fastest-growing regions with 7-10% growth, rebounding from pandemic-era population losses. The city center recorded the largest net overseas migration gain of approximately 1,400-2,900 people (sources vary), predominantly international students returning to the University of Sydney, UTS, and UNSW City Campus, plus young professionals occupying completed apartment towers in Barangaroo, Darling Square, and Green Square. The CBD’s population has grown from approximately 17,000 in 2016 to over 22,000 in 2024, though it remains primarily a commercial center rather than residential heartland.

Regional anomalies include Googong, technically in NSW but adjacent to the ACT, recording Sydney’s highest growth rate at 16%, while Oran Park continues steady expansion in the southwest corridor with 8-12% growth. Conversely, many inner and middle-ring suburbs experience population stagnation or outright decline. Hunters Hill will add only 333 people through 2041—one of NSW’s slowest-growing areas—while harbourside suburbs like Balmain, Potts Point-Woolloomooloo, and Mosman remain largely unchanged. Affluent eastern suburbs including Waverley, Woollahra, and Randwick project minimal +0.5-0.7% growth, constrained by limited land, heritage restrictions, and prohibitive prices exceeding $2-4 million for standard homes.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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