Tempe
With household income at the 91.7th percentile nationally and a university qualification rate of 54.6%, which is 24.5 points above the national figure, Tempe punches well above its modest 1.85 km2 footprint. The median house price reached $1,700,000 in 2024-2025, supported by a workforce concentrated in Professional/Tech (14.4%), Education (13.2%) and Healthcare (12.2%) sectors. Population grew 15.1% over the decade, driven by net overseas migration of 170 residents a year, and the suburb scores decile 9 on IEO and decile 10 on IRSAD, placing it among Sydney's top-advantage areas.
Population
3,550
Median Age
39.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$2,452/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
37
Median House
$1.7M
2024-2025 (PSI derived)
The median house price of $1,700,000 reflects the suburb's standing in Sydney's inner ring, though that price edged up from $1,675,500 in 2024 to $1,720,000 in 2025, a 2.7% rise over one year. Monthly mortgage repayments average $3,000 and mortgage-to-income sits at 28.3%, below the 30% stress threshold, making repayments more manageable than many comparable inner-Sydney markets. Separate houses dominate at 67.6% of the stock, a higher proportion than many inner-city suburbs, with semi-detached dwellings at 26.6% and apartments at just 5.0%. Three-bedroom homes are the most common at 47.5%, followed by two-bedroom at 30.8%. Outright owners represent 30.8% of households, fewer than mortgage holders at 43.1%, pointing to a buyer base of working-age professionals rather than long-held wealth.
For Buyers
The median house price of $1,700,000 reflects the suburb's standing in Sydney's inner ring, though that price edged up from $1,675,500 in 2024 to $1,720,000 in 2025, a 2.7% rise over one year. Monthly mortgage repayments average $3,000 and mortgage-to-income sits at 28.3%, below the 30% stress threshold, making repayments more manageable than many comparable inner-Sydney markets. Separate houses dominate at 67.6% of the stock, a higher proportion than many inner-city suburbs, with semi-detached dwellings at 26.6% and apartments at just 5.0%. Three-bedroom homes are the most common at 47.5%, followed by two-bedroom at 30.8%. Outright owners represent 30.8% of households, fewer than mortgage holders at 43.1%, pointing to a buyer base of working-age professionals rather than long-held wealth.
For Investors
Rental demand is supported by a 26.1% renter share and a weekly rent of $600, though the 7.9% vacancy rate is above typical inner-city levels and warrants attention. Gross yield on the $1,700,000 median works out near 1.8%, low but slightly better than ultra-premium inner-Sydney suburbs. Net overseas migration of 170 residents a year underpins demand, while internal migration is negative at 78 outflows annually, a pattern common in gentrifying inner suburbs. Development activity is active with 35 applications lodged in the past 12 months, mostly alterations and demolish-rebuild works, consistent with gradual stock renewal rather than large-scale new supply. The gentrification score of 45 and Active stage signal sustained upward price pressure over the medium term.
Development Activity
Total DAs
177
Last 12 Months
37
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+68.2%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Tempe iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Tempe Public School
K-6 · 346 students
Tempe High School
7-12 · 985 students
Demographics
The median age of 39 is 1.0 year below the national figure, placing Tempe among younger inner-city suburbs rather than aging outer areas. University qualifications reach 54.6%, which is 24.5 points above national, reflecting the Professional/Tech and Education-heavy workforce. Overseas-born residents account for 34.9%, some 13.3 points above the national average, with English (1,027), Irish (424) and Scottish (287) ancestries leading, and Chinese (283) as the fourth largest group. Top non-English languages include Macedonian (79), Cantonese (62), Greek (54) and Mandarin (29). Average household size of 2.7 is 0.2 above national, and couples with children (1,200 families) outnumber couples without children (699), signalling a family-oriented resident base.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
67.6%
Houses
26.6%
Townhouse
5.0%
Apartment
Tenure
Tenure splits into 30.8% owning outright, 43.1% paying a mortgage and 26.1% renting. The high mortgage share compared to outright owners reflects a suburb still attracting active buyers rather than one where wealth is fully consolidated. The stock is predominantly separate houses at 67.6%, well above most inner-Sydney comparisons, with semi-detached dwellings at 26.6% and apartments at only 5.0%. Three-bedroom homes lead at 47.5% of dwellings, followed by two-bedroom at 30.8% and four-plus bedroom at 18.1%. Price moved from $1,675,500 in 2024 to $1,720,000 in 2025, a 2.7% CAGR. Rent-to-income at 24.5% stays below the 30% stress level, keeping tenants stable despite a $600 weekly median rent.
Median House Price Trend
Source: State Valuer-General
Mortgage / mo
$3,000
Rent / wk
$600
HH Size
2.7
Personal Income / wk
$1,067
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
7.9%
Unoccupied
108
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
24.5%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
28.3%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
24.7%
Couples, no children
2,825
Total families
Economy & Employment
Professional/Tech leads employment at 14.4% of the local workforce (201 workers), followed by Education at 13.2% (184) and Healthcare at 12.2% (170), with Public Admin at 9.0% and Finance at 6.8%. By occupation, Professionals dominate at 622 workers, followed by Managers (334) and Clerical/Admin (253), a profile consistent with the IRSAD decile 10 ranking. The unemployment rate is 4.9% against a participation rate of 60.3%. Personal weekly income of $1,067 and household weekly income of $2,452 place the suburb in the 91.7th percentile nationally. Real incomes grew 32.5% over the decade, above national trend, which explains the sustained affordability improvement from 59.4% in 2011 to 51.1% in 2021. The SEIFA IEO score of 1,113 (decile 9) reflects high educational and occupational advantage.
Unemployment
4.2%
Labour Force
5,486
Unemployed
231
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
69.2%
Part-time
25.9%
Participation
60.3%
Employed
1,665
Occupations
Top Industries
University
54.6%
Postgraduate
15.5%
Born Overseas
34.9%
Dwellings
1,261
Transport to Work
Transport use is balanced: 17.5% take public transport and 12.2% walk or cycle, while 66.1% drive, lower car dependence than many outer Sydney suburbs. The IRSAD decile of 10 places Tempe at the very top of the national advantage scale, and the IRSD decile of 8 confirms low relative disadvantage. Volunteering runs at 11.8% and 5.6% of residents (192 people) need daily assistance. Housing stress is contained: mortgage-to-income at 28.3% and rent-to-income at 24.5% both fall below the 30% threshold. No schools are recorded inside the suburb boundary in this dataset, so families rely on institutions in adjacent suburbs, a common trade-off in compact inner-Sydney areas with a 1,914.9 residents per km2 density.
Drive
66.1%
Public Transport
17.5%
Walk / Cycle
12.2%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+1.0%/yr
(+90 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation grew 15.1% over the decade and currently tracks at 1.0% annually, adding roughly 90 residents per year. The SA2-level historical data shows growth from 8,689 in 2023 to 8,976 in 2025, and the medium forecast reaches 9,431 by 2031. Overseas migration is the primary driver at a net 170 arrivals per year, offsetting internal outflows of 78 annually. The gentrification score of 45 and Active stage, combined with a 40.0% rent growth over the period and 32.5% real income growth, point to continued price support. Rent growth of 40.0% outpaced income growth of 32.5%, narrowing affordability, though the trend is still recorded as Improving compared to 2011 levels. The young adult share grew 0.4 points and the senior share rose 2.0 points, indicating gradual aging without accelerated turnover.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+170
Net Internal / yr
-78
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Population +17% since 2011
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Tempe compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tempe a good suburb to live in?
Tempe ranks decile 10 on IRSAD and decile 9 on IEO, both top-advantage tiers nationally. Household income sits in the 91.7th percentile and university qualifications reach 54.6%, some 24.5 points above national. Transport is accessible, with 17.5% using public transport and 12.2% walking or cycling. The main cost is a $1,700,000 median house price.
What is the median house price in Tempe?
The median house price is $1,700,000. Prices moved from $1,675,500 in 2024 to $1,720,000 in 2025, a 2.7% rise. Monthly mortgage repayments average $3,000, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 28.3%. Weekly rent averages $600.
What schools are in Tempe?
No schools are recorded inside the Tempe boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in adjacent suburbs. The local population is highly educated, with 54.6% holding university qualifications, which is 24.5 points above the national figure, reflecting strong demand for quality schooling nearby.
Is Tempe safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for Tempe in this dataset. As an indirect measure, the suburb scores decile 10 on IRSAD, the top advantage tier, and decile 8 on IRSD for low disadvantage. Only 5.6% of the 3,550 residents need daily assistance, consistent with a stable, low-disadvantage area.
Is Tempe good for property investment?
Weekly rent of $600 against a $1,700,000 median gives a gross yield near 1.8%. The vacancy rate of 7.9% is above the inner-city norm, so stock selection matters. Net overseas migration of 170 a year supports demand, and the Active gentrification stage with 40.0% rent growth over the period signals sustained upward pressure.
How is Tempe's population changing?
Population grew 15.1% over the decade and is tracking at 1.0% annually, adding about 90 residents per year. The SA2-level population reached 8,976 in 2025 and is forecast to reach 9,431 by 2031. Overseas migration at 170 net arrivals per year is the primary driver, offsetting internal outflows of 78 annually.
What languages are spoken in Tempe?
About 34.9% of residents were born overseas, which is 13.3 points above the national average. English dominates, with Macedonian (79 speakers), Cantonese (62), Greek (54) and Mandarin (29) the most common non-English languages. English, Irish and Scottish ancestries lead, with Chinese ancestry fourth at 283 residents.
How much development is happening in Tempe?
There were 35 development applications lodged in the past 12 months, including dwelling alterations, demolition and new structures, and signage works. This level of activity is consistent with an established inner suburb undergoing gradual stock renewal rather than major new supply, in line with 1.0% annual population growth.
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 Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), 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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