Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Lakemba
2 km²
A growing number of residents now work from home in Lakemba, where the population has remained steady at around 17,000 people. This is a young, multicultural community where the typical resident is just 32 years old. It is defined by a very high proportion of overseas-born residents and a strong religious identity. Many families live here in crowded conditions, often in rented apartments, while facing some of the lowest typical incomes in the region.
Lakemba has many young families but fewer schools per child than most areas.
The area's schools rate above its broader socio-economic standing.
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The area is noticeably younger than the state and national figures, with nearly 25% of people being children under 15. It has a very low proportion of seniors and people in de facto relationships compared to most other areas.
People born overseas make up 59.9% of the population, which is far above the national average. The most common ancestries are Indian, Australian, and English.
Language diversity is very high, with 72.9% of people using a language other than English at home. This is far above the national figure, and 14.6% of residents speak little or no English.
Religious affiliation is much more common here than in the rest of the country. Islam is the primary religion at 61.2%, and only 6.9% of residents report having no religion.
Residents are generally well qualified, with 30.7% holding a bachelor degree or higher and 63.7% having completed Year 12, both of which are above national levels.
Typical weekly household income is $1,227, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. Very few households earn $3,000 or more per week compared to other areas.
Long-term health conditions are far less common here than in the rest of the state, with only 16.8% of people reporting one, and mental health conditions are also well below the national average.
Volunteering is among the lowest at this level, at 6.8%. Rates of people providing unpaid care or doing heavy housework are also much lower than the state average.
The First Nations population is small, but those residents are far older than the national typical age and 13% speak a First Nations language, which is well above the state average.
Homes are more crowded than usual, with 3.1 people per dwelling. Families with children make up 73.7% of households, and far fewer people live alone compared to most areas.
Rental properties are far more common than in the rest of Australia, with 58.1% of households renting. Most people live in flats or apartments, and very few homes have three or more bedrooms.
Public transport use for commuting is well above the national average, and 15.9% of homes have no motor vehicle. Most residents live within a one-minute walk of a stop.
The community is quite mobile, with 42% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are also much more common here than in most other areas.
Unemployment is very high at 13.9%, well above the national rate of 5.1%. Only 42.7% of adults are working or looking for work, which is far below the state average.
Lakemba has a very high number of businesses, yet it ranks among the lowest areas in the state for overall advantage and access to resources.
The area receives much more annual rainfall than the New South Wales average, though temperatures are typical for the region.
This is a walker's paradise, with 100% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries, schools, and public transport.