City Analytics
- Thriving workforce and cultural diversity: The Georges River Local Government Area (LGA) has a larger working-age population than the Australian average. It has a significant multicultural community.
- Shifting job market: Healthcare and services are booming. Manufacturing and transport are in decline.
- Growing businesses: More small businesses are achieving higher turnovers in the Georges River LGA.
- Education on the rise: The area is becoming more educated, especially in tertiary education.
- Housing affordability challenge: Buying and renting pose significant challenges. Low-to-moderate income earners face steep obstacles in securing housing.
This table shows key demographic and economic statistics for the area, compared to Australia as a whole.
Key Statistics | Year | Georges River LGA | Australia |
Estimated resident population | 2023 | 158,051 | 26,648,878 |
Working age population | 2022 | 66.9% | 64.6% |
Persons born overseas | 2021 | 70,004 | 7,029,262 |
Median total income | 2020 | $48,250 | $52,338 |
Total number of businesses | 2023 | 16,624 | 2,589,873 |
Number of jobs | 2020 | 128,997 | 19,990,090 |
Median weekly household rental | 2021 | $450 | $375 |
Median monthly household mortgage | 2021 | $2,474 | $1,863 |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021).
Georges River LGA has a higher working-age population than the national average. This suggests a vibrant workforce. The area has a rich cultural diversity and a significant portion of its residents were born overseas.
Housing costs are high in Georges River LGA. Both median weekly rents and monthly mortgage payments are above the Australian average. This reflects the area’s desirability and higher cost of living.
Employment
The table below shows the top ten industries, comparing 2011 and 2021 data. Notably, the healthcare and social assistance sector saw the most growth. Its share of employment rose by 37.61%. Professional, scientific, and technical services also saw a considerable rise of 12.36%.
Industry of Employment (Top Ten) | 2021 | 2011 | Percentage |
Health care and social assistance | 15% | 10.9% | 37.61% |
Professional, scientific and technical services | 10% | 8.9% | 12.36% |
Retail trade | 9.8% | 10% | -2% |
Education and training | 7.8% | 7.1% | 9.86% |
Financial and insurance services | 7.4% | 7.2% | 2.78% |
Construction | 6.8% | 6.2% | 9.68% |
Accommodation and food services | 6.4% | 7.6% | -15.79% |
Transport, postal and warehousing | 6.1% | 7.3% | -16.44% |
Manufacturing | 4.8% | 7.6% | -36.84% |
Public administration and safety | 4.8% | 5.2% | -7.69% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021).
Occupation of employed persons tracks occupational changes from 2011 to 2021. The largest growth was in professionals at 12%. Community/personal service workers followed at 15%. Managers grew by 9%.
Occupation of Employed Persons | 2021 | 2011 | Percentage Change |
Managers | 13.1% | 12% | 9.17% |
Professionals | 28% | 25% | 12% |
Technicians and trades workers | 10.4% | 12.3% | -15.45% |
Community and personal service workers | 10% | 8.7% | 14.94% |
Clerical and administrative workers | 14.9% | 17.9% | -16.76% |
Sales workers | 8.9% | 9.4% | -5.32% |
Machinery operators and drivers | 4.8% | 5.3% | -9.43% |
Labourers | 7.8% | 7.3% | 6.85% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021).
Employment trends from 2017/18 to 2022/23 reveal a mixed landscape. Healthcare and social assistance led growth (+14.24%), followed by agriculture and construction. Manufacturing, wholesale trade, and information media faced significant declines.
Overall, total employment fell slightly (-0.86%). This points to a shifting job market. Gains in healthcare and some services offset losses in traditional industries.
| Employment by Industry | 2022/23 | 2017/18 | Percentage Change |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 69 | 52 | 24.64% |
| Mining | 29 | 39 | -34.48% |
| Manufacturing | 1,959 | 2,296 | -17.20% |
| Electricity, gas, water and waste services | 346 | 454 | -31.21% |
| Construction | 3,594 | 3,387 | 5.76% |
| Wholesale trade | 935 | 1,375 | -47.06% |
| Retail trade | 4,378 | 4,637 | -5.92% |
| Accommodation and food services | 2,919 | 3,527 | -20.83% |
| Transport, postal and warehousing | 1,498 | 1,340 | 10.55% |
| Information media and telecommunications | 337 | 468 | -38.87% |
| Financial and insurance services | 3,218 | 3,237 | -0.59% |
| Rental, hiring and real estate services | 1,206 | 1,131 | 6.22% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 3,419 | 3,766 | -10.15% |
| Administrative and support services | 1,347 | 1,438 | -6.76% |
| Public administration and safety | 1,816 | 2,102 | -15.75% |
| Education and training | 4,706 | 4,540 | 3.53% |
| Health care and social assistance | 14,490 | 12,426 | 14.24% |
| Arts and recreation services | 470 | 658 | -40% |
| Other services | 1,765 | 2,043 | -15.75% |
| Total industries | 48,501 | 48,916 | -0.86% |
(Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research 2023).
The ABS 2021 Labour Force data shows a lower participation rate in Georges River LGA than in NSW. It also shows a higher percentage of people not in the labour force.
Labour Force Status (2021) | Georges River LGA | % | NSW | % |
In the labour force | 74,332 | 58.1 | 3,874,012 | 58.7 |
Not in the labour force | 47,285 | 36.9 | 2,341,417 | 35.5 |
Worked full-time | 37,777 | 50.8 | 2,136,610 | 55.2 |
Worked part-time | 21,989 | 29.6 | 1,151,660 | 29.7 |
Away from work | 10,699 | 14.4 | 395,888 | 10.2 |
Unemployed | 3,874 | 5.2 | 189,852 | 4.9 |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021).
Business Growth and Change
From 2020 to 2023, we saw overall business growth of 5.2%, driven mainly by a surge in small businesses. While large businesses dipped slightly, new business entries rose. This was especially true for small and medium firms.
Number of Businesses | 2023 | 2020 | Percentage |
Number of non-employing businesses | 10,118 | 9,920 | 2% |
Number of non-employing business entries | 1,957 | 1,872 | 4.54% |
Number of non-employing business exits | 1,853 | 1,595 | 16.18% |
Number of employing businesses: 1-4 employees | 5,144 | 4,529 | 13.58% |
Number of employing business entries: 1-4 employees | 707 | 583 | 21.27% |
Number of employing business exits: 1-4 employees | 608 | 465 | 30.75% |
Number of employing businesses: 5-19 employees | 1,137 | 1,120 | 1.52% |
Number of employing business entries: 5-19 employees | 42 | 32 | 31.25% |
Number of employing business exits: 5-19 employees | 65 | 50 | 30% |
Number of employing businesses: 20 or more employees | 225 | 234 | -3.85% |
Number of employing business entries: 20 or more employees | 6 | 3 | 100% |
Number of employing business exits: 20 or more employees | 3 | 6 | -50% |
Total number of businesses | 16,624 | 15,803 | 5.20% |
Total number of business entries | 2,712 | 2,490 | 8.92% |
Total number of business exits | 2,529 | 2,116 | 19.52% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2023).
The following table shows changes in the number of businesses by turnover between 2020 and 2023 in the area.
Overall, there was growth in businesses with higher turnovers, particularly those between $200k and $2m (10.78% increase). Businesses with turnover under $50k fell slightly. Those with $50k to $200k saw a 3.85% increase. Business entries rose for turnovers between $50k and $2m and exits increased across most categories.
Number of Businesses by Turnover | 2023 | 2020 | Percentage Change |
Number of businesses with turnover of zero to less than $50k | 4,570 | 4,578 | -0.17% |
Number of business entries with turnover of zero to less than $50k | 966 | 1,051 | -8.09% |
Number of business exits with turnover of zero to less than $50k | 1,275 | 1,079 | 18.16% |
Number of businesses with turnover of $50k to less than $200k | 5,777 | 5,563 | 3.85% |
Number of business entries with turnover of $50k to less than $200k | 1,189 | 1,002 | 18.66% |
Number of business exits with turnover of $50k to less than $200k | 1,275 | 1,079 | 18.16% |
Number of businesses with turnover of $200k to less than $2m | 5,332 | 4,813 | 10.78% |
Number of business entries with turnover of $200k to less than $2m | 524 | 411 | 27.49% |
Number of business exits with turnover of $200k to less than $2m | 401 | 351 | 14.25% |
Number of businesses with turnover of $2m to less than $5m | 624 | 531 | 17.51% |
Number of business entries with turnover of $2m to less than $5m | 25 | 21 | 19.05% |
Number of business exits with turnover of $2m to less than $5m | 40 | 35 | 14.29% |
Number of businesses with turnover of $5m to less than $10m | 184 | 182 | 1.10% |
Number of business entries with turnover of $5m to less than $10m | 7 | 3 | 133.33% |
Number of business exits with turnover of $5m to less than $10m | 10 | 7 | 42.86% |
Number of businesses with turnover of $10m or more | 137 | 136 | 0.74% |
Number of business entries with turnover of $10m or more | 0 | 3 | -100% |
Number of business exits with turnover of $10m or more | 4 | 5 | -20% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2023).
From June 2015 to June 2023, new GST registrations and cancellations in the Georges River LGA have fluctuated. The net change was mostly positive but declined in recent years. New registrations initially outnumbered cancellations, so there was a gain. But, this reversed around mid-2022, leading to a loss in the latest period.
From 2017 to 2023, the Georges River LGA saw the largest growth in healthcare and social assistance (14%). Agriculture, forestry, and fishing followed (25%). Manufacturing fell by 17%. Wholesale trade dropped 47%. Information media and telecoms fell 39%. Total employment fell slightly (-0.86%). It shows a shifting job market. Gains in healthcare and some services offset losses in manufacturing and other industries.
Employment by Industry | 2022/23 | 2017/18 | Percentage Change |
Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 69 | 52 | 24.64% |
Mining | 29 | 39 | -34.48% |
Manufacturing | 1,959 | 2,296 | -17.20% |
Electricity, gas, water and waste services | 346 | 454 | -31.21% |
Construction | 3,594 | 3,387 | 5.76% |
Wholesale trade | 935 | 1,375 | -47.06% |
Retail trade | 4,378 | 4,637 | -47.06% |
Accommodation and food services | 2,919 | 3,527 | -20.83% |
Transport, postal and warehousing | 1,498 | 1,340 | 10.55% |
Information media and telecommunications | 337 | 468 | -38.87% |
Financial and insurance services | 3,218 | 3,237 | -0.59% |
Rental, hiring and real estate services | 1,206 | 1,131 | 6.22% |
Professional, scientific and technical services | 3,419 | 3,766 | -10.15% |
Administrative and support services | 1,347 | 1,438 | -6.76% |
Public administration and safety | 1,816 | 2,102 | -15.75% |
Education and training | 4,706 | 4,540 | 3.53% |
Health care and social assistance | 14,490 | 12,426 | 14.24% |
Arts and recreation services | 470 | 658 | -40% |
Other services | 1,765 | 2,043 | -15.75% |
Total industries | 48,501 | 48,916 | -0.86% |
(Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research 2023).
Education and Qualifications
This table shows that education levels in the Georges River LGA improved from 2011 to 2021. There were notable increases in year 12 completion (up 14.9%) and non-school qualifications (up 10.8%).
There was a 44.6% increase in postgraduate degrees at higher education levels. However, there was a slight decrease in the percentage of people with certificates.
Overall, the data suggests an increase in qualifications during this period.
Education Level | 2021 | 2022 | Percentage Change |
Completed year 12 or equivalent | 70.8% | 61.6% | 14.9% |
Total persons with non-school qualification(s) | 65.3% | 58.9% | 10.8% |
Postgraduate degree | 9.4% | 6.5% | 44.6% |
Graduate diploma/graduate certificate | 1.9% | 1.4% | 35.7% |
Bachelor degree | 22.9% | 17.9% | 27.9% |
Advanced diploma/diploma | 10.5% | 9.7% | 8.2% |
Certificate | 13% | 13.8% | -5.8% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021).
Travel to Work
This table shows where resident workers were employed in the Georges River Council area in 2021. It categorises employed residents based on their work locations. They may: live and work in the area, live in the area but work elsewhere, or have no fixed workplace.
The data shows a large commuter outflow from Georges River Council area. This suggests a mismatch between the local workforce and jobs.
Number | % | |
Live and work in the area | 17,008 | 24.2 |
Live in the area, but work outside | 51,026 | 72.5 |
No fixed place of work | 2,323 | 3.3 |
Total employed residents in the area | 70,357 | 100 |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021)
Household Income
From 2016 to 2021, income distribution in the Georges River LGA changed. Lower income brackets categories saw declines, while higher income brackets experienced significant growth.
Total Personal income (weekly) | 2021 | 2016 | Percentage Change |
$1-$499 per week | 21.7% | 26% | -16.54% |
$500-$999 per week | 22.7% | 22.9% | -0.87% |
$1000-$1999 per week | 25.7% | 22.5% | 14.22% |
$2000-$2999 per week | 7.6% | 5.1% | 49.02% |
$3000 or more per week | 4.9% | 3% | 63.33% |
Nil income | 10.8% | 13.7% | -21.17% |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021).
Housing Affordability
The table below compares weekly rent in the Georges River region to New South Wales. It highlights the median rent. It also shows the percent of renter households spending 30% or less of their income on rent, compared to those spending more than 30%.
Most renters in Georges River and New South Wales spend less than 30% of their income on rent. But, Georges River has a higher median rent ($450 per week vs. $420 for the state). Over 30% of renters in both areas pay more than 30% of their income on housing. This shows ongoing challenges with rental affordability and stress for many residents.
Rent weekly payments (2021) | Georges River | % | New South Wales | % |
Median rent | $450 | $420 | ||
Renter households where rent payments are less than or equal to 30% of household income | 10,128 | 58.1 | 529,731 | 56.1 |
Renter households with rent payments greater than 30% of household income | 5,919 | 33.9 | 335,404 | 35.5 |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Rent (weekly) ranges 2021).
The next table provides data on mortgage monthly repayments, comparing homeowners in Georges River to New South Wales. It highlights the median mortgage repayment amount and the percentage of homeowners whose repayments are either less than or equal to 30% of their household income, or greater than 30%.
The higher median repayment in Georges River and the substantial percentage of homeowners with repayments exceeding 30% of their income highlight the challenges of housing affordability in the region.
Mortgage monthly repayments | Georges River | % |
| % |
Median mortgage repayments | $2,474 |
| 2,167 |
|
Owner with mortgage households where mortgage repayments are less than or equal to 30% of household income | 10,624 | 65.4 | 677,486 | 71.9 |
Owner with mortgage households with mortgage repayments greater than 30% of household income | 3,880 | 23.9 | 163,060 | 17.3 |
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Rent (weekly) ranges 2021)