Belfield
A 40-year median age, 40.0% overseas-born share and 1.78 sq km footprint make Belfield a compact, mature market for households seeking established housing near Sydney's inner south-west. Its 6,555 residents live at 3,677.2 people per sq km, while household income sits at the 60.7th percentile nationally. Compared with nearby Campsie and Belmore, Belfield's 66.9% separate-house share points to a more house-led profile. Families are prominent because 52.1% of families have children, while 84.3% of residents stayed at the same address. University attainment is 38.3%, or 8.2 percentage points above the national comparison.
Population
6,555
Median Age
40.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,727/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
38
Homebuyers need to budget around a $2,500 monthly mortgage and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 33.4%, which is higher than the 26.6% rent-to-income figure. The 66.9% separate-house share is substantially higher than the 8.9% apartment share, while 23.7% of dwellings are semi-detached. That mix suits buyers wanting land or family layouts because houses and semi-detached dwellings dominate the local stock. The 39.6% three-bedroom and 29.2% four-bedroom-plus shares mean larger homes are central to the market. Outright ownership is 32.4% and mortgage ownership 34.7%, so purchasing power should be tested carefully against renovation, parking and strata costs.
For Buyers
Homebuyers need to budget around a $2,500 monthly mortgage and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 33.4%, which is higher than the 26.6% rent-to-income figure. The 66.9% separate-house share is substantially higher than the 8.9% apartment share, while 23.7% of dwellings are semi-detached. That mix suits buyers wanting land or family layouts because houses and semi-detached dwellings dominate the local stock. The 39.6% three-bedroom and 29.2% four-bedroom-plus shares mean larger homes are central to the market. Outright ownership is 32.4% and mortgage ownership 34.7%, so purchasing power should be tested carefully against renovation, parking and strata costs.
For Investors
Investors have a renter share of 30.7%, a weekly rent of $460 and a vacancy rate of 5.9%. The vacancy figure should be weighed against the owner-occupied majority, since 32.4% own outright and 34.7% hold a mortgage; this can limit available rental stock and support tenant demand when homes are well presented. Rent growth of 31.7% is higher than the 0.55% annual population trend, so yield calculations should not rely on rent growth continuing. Overseas migration is the primary growth driver, while 38 development matters over 12 months include new dwelling-house work, demolitions and swimming-pool applications. Compared with an apartment-only strategy, Belfield's 66.9% separate-house share favours careful assessment of land, maintenance and redevelopment potential.
Development Activity
Total DAs
241
Last 12 Months
38
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
-7.3%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Demographics
Belfield's demographic profile is older than a youth-heavy inner-city market, with a median age of 40 and an average household size of 2.9, which is 0.4 above the national comparison. Overseas-born residents account for 40.0%, or 18.4 percentage points above the national figure, while university attainment is 38.3%, 8.2 points higher than nationally. Lebanese ancestry is recorded for 1,260 residents, followed by Italian at 839 and Chinese at 827; Arabic is the most common recorded language at 485 people. Couples with children make up 52.1% of families, so family services and multi-bedroom housing matter. The 84.3% same-address rate supports stable local networks across generations.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
66.9%
Houses
23.7%
Townhouse
8.9%
Apartment
Tenure
Belfield's housing is weighted toward conventional family stock: 66.9% of dwellings are separate houses, 23.7% semi-detached and 8.9% apartments. Three-bedroom homes lead at 39.6%, followed by four-bedroom-plus at 29.2% and two-bedroom homes at 25.8%, so the layout mix is more family-sized than compact. Tenure is split between 32.4% outright ownership, 34.7% mortgage ownership and 30.7% renting. Mortgage costs of $2,500 per month consume 33.4% of household income, higher than the 26.6% rent-to-income ratio, which helps explain why purchasing power may be constrained even as the suburb remains owner-heavy. Compared with nearby Campsie, buyers should place extra weight on land, parking and renovation potential.
Mortgage / mo
$2,500
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $460.
$780
Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $900
HH Size
2.9
Personal Income / wk
$672
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
5.9%
Unoccupied
138
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
26.6%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
33.4% stressed
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
52.1%
Couples with children
27.6%
Couples, no children
18.6%
Single parent
1,723
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare leads Belfield's employment mix at 16.5% with 288 workers, followed by education at 12.2% and 213, construction at 11.6% and 202, professional and technical work at 8.4% and 146, and retail at 7.5% and 131. The spread reduces reliance on one sector because care, education, building, technical work and commerce all contribute. Professionals number 604, clerical and administrative workers 457, and managers 355. Unemployment is 4.4% with 50.8% participation, while weekly household income of $1,727 ranks at the 60.7th percentile. IEO is decile 6, above IER decile 3 and IRSD decile 2; IRSAD is decile 5, showing education and occupation strength is not evenly shared.
Unemployment
4.4%
Labour Force
2,697
Unemployed
119
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
49.4%
Part-time
30.9%
Participation
50.8%
Employed
2,578
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
38.3%
Postgraduate
8.8%
Born Overseas
40.0%
Dwellings
2,182
Transport to Work
Belfield is compact at 1.78 sq km, with density of 3,677.2 people per sq km and 6,555 residents, so daily convenience depends on how each address connects to shops, services and transport. Car commuting is 46.6%, much higher than public transport at 3.1% and walking or cycling at 0.9%, while 45.0% work from home. That pattern suits households with parking and flexible work, but makes route planning important for people without a car. Families should check enrolment zones and current government, Catholic and independent options against the exact address rather than assume suburb boundaries. The IRSAD score is in decile 5, while 9.4% volunteer and 7.6% need assistance, suggesting average relative advantage alongside visible support needs. Compared with a transit-first suburb, Belfield is more car reliant, so convenience varies by street.
Drive
46.6%
Public Transport
3.1%
Walk / Cycle
0.9%
Work from Home
45.0%
Population Forecast
+0.55%/yr
(+116 people/yr)
EstablishedBelfield's growth outlook is steady rather than rapid, with a forecast trend of 0.55% annually and population change across the wider area of 9.2% over 10 years. Overseas migration is the primary driver, which fits the suburb's 40.0% overseas-born share and 18.4 percentage-point lead over the national comparison. The shift trajectory is labelled Declining young: the young share fell 2.7 percentage points while the senior share rose 2.6 points. That points to an ageing household base, even though real income growth reached 21.8% and rent growth 31.7%. Gentrification signals are mixed: the main score is 10, labelled Not gentrifying, while the shift measure is 41 with an Early signs stage. Compared with a fast redevelopment corridor, Belfield's 38 development matters and 0.55% trend suggest incremental change rather than a sudden reset.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+316
Net Internal / yr
-236
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Net internal outflow -236/yr, Strong overseas inflow +316/yr
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Belfield compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belfield a good suburb to live in?
Belfield can suit households seeking established, family-sized housing in a compact setting. The median age is 40, 52.1% of families have children and 66.9% of dwellings are separate houses. Car use is 46.6%, higher than public transport at 3.1%, so it is a stronger fit for drivers than for car-free households. Check the exact street, parking and enrolment zone before deciding.
What is the median house price in Belfield?
Belfield's current median should be checked against recent settled sales because dwelling type and condition vary materially. Separate houses make up 66.9% of homes, while 39.6% are three-bedroom and 29.2% are four-bedroom-plus. Compare like-for-like houses with semi-detached and apartment sales, then test the result against a $2,500 monthly mortgage and 33.4% mortgage-to-income ratio.
What schools are in Belfield?
School decisions in Belfield should start with the exact address, enrolment zone and preferred government, Catholic or independent pathway. The suburb covers only 1.78 sq km, yet boundaries can still affect eligibility and travel time. Families with an average household size of 2.9 should compare before- and after-school care, transport and catchment rules rather than assume the closest campus is the assigned option.
Is Belfield safe?
Belfield has 6,555 residents and a median age of 40, but safety can vary by street, route and time of day. Review current NSW Police incident maps, lighting, pedestrian movement and the walk between home, transport and local services before signing a lease or buying. Compare several recent periods rather than relying on a single impression, and ask occupants about parking, noise and evening activity at the exact address.
Is Belfield good for property investment?
Belfield may suit investors who value established houses and a broad tenant base rather than a high-rise-only strategy. Renting is 30.7%, weekly rent is $460 and vacancy is 5.9%, while overseas migration is the primary growth driver. The 31.7% rent growth figure is higher than the 0.55% annual population trend, so cash-flow forecasts should use conservative rent assumptions. Review 38 development matters over 12 months for nearby construction and competition.
How is Belfield's population changing?
Belfield has 6,555 residents today. The wider-area outlook points to 0.55% annual growth and 9.2% population change over 10 years, driven primarily by overseas migration. The trajectory is labelled Declining young, with the young share down 2.7 percentage points and the senior share up 2.6 points. That suggests gradual ageing alongside continued migrant-led demand, rather than a sudden population surge.
What languages are spoken in Belfield?
Arabic is the leading recorded language, with 485 speakers, followed by Mandarin at 181, Greek at 157, Italian at 140 and Canton at 137. This aligns with Belfield's 40.0% overseas-born share, which is 18.4 percentage points above the national comparison. Local services, schools and businesses that communicate across these language groups may be particularly relevant to residents.
What development is occurring in Belfield?
Development activity includes 38 matters over 12 months, including new dwelling-house construction, demolition and rebuilding, and swimming-pool applications. That pattern points more to incremental renewal than a single large project. Buyers and tenants should check nearby approvals, construction timing, parking impacts and stormwater changes, especially where a 66.9% separate-house share creates scope for knockdown-rebuild work.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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