Cabramatta Suburb Guide 2025
Cabramatta (卡布拉马塔) is one of Sydney's most distinctive multicultural suburbs, located approx. 37.6 km west of the CBD in the Fairfield local government area. With a total population of 21,142 (ABS Census 2021), this Western Sydney suburb is home to one of the highest Chinese-heritage communities in the metropolitan area — 5,891 residents or 27.9% of the population identify as Chinese, ranking in the top 3% across Greater Sydney (compared to the city-wide average of approx. 5%). Cabramatta has its own train station on the T2 Inner West & Leppington line, with an approx. 65-minute transit commute to the CBD. The median house price sits at approx. $1.4M — below the Sydney-wide median of approx. $1.5M — while units are remarkably affordable at approx. $500K. The suburb's crime rate of 8,883 per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025) is above the NSW average of 6,635, a factor families should weigh carefully. This guide provides a data-driven overview of Cabramatta's demographics, schools, property market, safety, and transport to help families make an informed decision.
Cabramatta — Key Facts
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Population | 21,142 (ABS Census 2021) |
| Chinese Population | 5,891 (27.9%) — top 3% in Sydney |
| Median House Price | Approx. $1.4M |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $500K |
| Crime Rate | 8,883 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025) — above NSW avg 6,635 |
| Train Station | Yes — Cabramatta station (approx. 65 min to CBD) |
School quick links: Cabramatta High School | Canley Vale High School | Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield | Pal Buddhist School | Fairfield High School
Community & Demographics
Cabramatta is widely recognised as one of Sydney's most vibrant multicultural hubs, with deep roots in the Vietnamese and Chinese communities that have shaped the suburb over several decades. According to the ABS Census 2021, 27.9% of Cabramatta's 21,142 residents identify as being of Chinese heritage — that is 5,891 people, placing it in the top 3% of all Sydney suburbs by Chinese population share. To put this in perspective, the Greater Sydney average is approximately 5%, meaning Cabramatta's Chinese community is more than five times the city-wide average.
The suburb covers an area of approx. 5.04 sq km and centres on its main commercial precinct, which is known for its concentration of Asian grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty shops. The area has a strong sense of community identity and a well-established network of cultural associations. Weekend markets and food destinations draw visitors from across Sydney, contributing to a busy and commercially active streetscape.
For Chinese-Australian families, the high concentration of Chinese residents means convenient access to Chinese-language services, cultural activities, and community support networks. Mandarin and Cantonese are widely spoken in shops and community organisations throughout the suburb.
With 21,142 residents across approx. 5.04 sq km, Cabramatta has a population density of approximately 4,194 people per square kilometre — making it one of the denser suburbs in Western Sydney. This density reflects the suburb's character as a major cultural and commercial hub that draws visitors from across the greater Sydney metropolitan area, not just its own residents. The bustling main street, weekend food markets, and Lunar New Year celebrations attract thousands of visitors year-round. Cabramatta falls within the Fairfield Local Government Area (LGA), which provides local council services including libraries, parks maintenance, and community programs tailored to the area's diverse population.
Schools & Education
Families in Cabramatta have access to several secondary schools both within the suburb and in neighbouring areas. Below is a summary of the key schools and their 2025 HSC results.
Schools in Cabramatta
- Type: Government co-ed, Year 7–12
- 2025 HSC: DA 57 students, All-Round 2 students, Top Achievers 3 students
- AU Guide Score: 64.5/100 (scoring method)
- Star Rating: 2 stars — Good academic performance
Cabramatta High School is the suburb's local government secondary school and the strongest academic performer in the immediate area. With 57 students achieving a Distinguished Achievers result in the 2025 HSC, along with 2 All-rounders and 3 Top Achievers, it delivers solid outcomes for a comprehensive public school. Its AU Guide Score of 64.5/100 places it in the "Good" performance band (60–79).
Nearby Schools
- Type: Government co-ed, Year 7–12
- 2025 HSC: DA 63 students, 1 Top Achiever
- AU Guide Score: approx. 56/100 (scoring method)
- Star Rating: 1 star — Average academic performance
Located in neighbouring Canley Vale, this government school produced 63 Distinguished Achievers and 1 Top Achiever in the 2025 HSC. Its AU Guide Score of approx. 56 places it in the "Average" band (40–59).
Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield
- Type: Catholic boys, Year 7–12
- 2025 HSC: DA 42 students
- AU Guide Score: approx. 52/100 (scoring method)
A Catholic boys' school in Fairfield, Patrician Brothers' had 42 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC. It offers a faith-based education alternative for families in the Cabramatta area.
- Type: Independent co-ed, Year 1–12
- 2025 HSC: DA 6 students
- Note: Small school (approx. 100 students)
Pal Buddhist School in Canley Vale is a small independent school offering education from Year 1 through to Year 12. With approximately 100 students, it provides a unique learning environment rooted in Buddhist values.
- Type: Government co-ed, Year 7–12
- 2025 HSC: DA 4 students
Fairfield High School is a government school in nearby Fairfield with modest HSC outcomes in 2025.
School Comparison Table
| School | Sector | DA Students | All-Rounders | Top Achievers | AU Guide Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabramatta High | Government | 57 | 2 | 3 | 64.5 |
| Canley Vale High | Government | 63 | 0 | 1 | ~56 |
| Patrician Brothers' | Catholic | 42 | 0 | 0 | ~52 |
| Pal Buddhist | Independent | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Fairfield High | Government | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
For families prioritising academic results, Cabramatta High School is the standout local option with an AU Guide Score of 64.5. Families seeking higher-performing schools may need to consider selective school applications or schools in neighbouring suburbs further afield. See the AU Guide NSW School Rankings for a broader comparison.
It is worth noting that Cabramatta High School's DA ratio of 0.2651 means approximately 1 in 4 HSC students achieved a Distinguished Achievers result in 2025 — a respectable outcome for a comprehensive government school in Western Sydney. Families seeking selective school placement should also be aware that nearby selective schools include Girraween High School and Hurlstone Agricultural High School, both of which are accessible by train from Cabramatta station. These selective schools consistently rank among the top performers in NSW and offer a pathway for academically ambitious students in the Cabramatta area without requiring a move to the North Shore or Inner West.
Property & Rental Market
Cabramatta's property market offers a relatively affordable entry point compared to many other Sydney suburbs with significant Chinese communities.
Purchase Prices
| Property Type | Cabramatta Median | Sydney Median | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | Approx. $1.4M | Approx. $1.5M | Below Sydney median |
| Unit | Approx. $500K | — | Very affordable (bottom 5% price ranking) |
The median house price in Cabramatta is approx. $1.4M, sitting below the Sydney-wide median of approx. $1.5M. This places Cabramatta in the mid-range for house prices across the city (price rank 0.56). However, the real value proposition is in units: at approx. $500K, Cabramatta's unit prices are among the most affordable in Sydney, ranking in the bottom 5% (price rank 0.05). For first-home buyers or families looking to enter the property market without stretching to seven figures, units in Cabramatta represent one of the most accessible options in the greater Sydney region.
Rental Market
| Property Type | Approx. Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom unit | Approx. $430/wk |
| 3-bedroom unit | Approx. $550/wk |
| 2-bedroom house | Approx. $470/wk |
| 3-bedroom house | Approx. $620/wk |
Rental prices in Cabramatta are moderate by Sydney standards. A 2-bedroom unit rents for approx. $430 per week, while a 3-bedroom house is approx. $620 per week. These figures make the suburb accessible for families who prefer to rent while their children attend local schools.
Compared to other Sydney suburbs with high Chinese population concentrations, Cabramatta offers significantly lower entry prices. Chatswood, with a comparable Chinese community presence, has a median house price of approx. $3.6M, while Eastwood sits at approx. $2.2M — both well above Cabramatta's approx. $1.4M. The unit market is particularly notable: at approx. $500K, Cabramatta is among the lowest entry points in any Sydney suburb with 20%+ Chinese population. For renters, the gap between a 2-bedroom unit ($430/wk) and a 3-bedroom house ($620/wk) gives families flexibility to scale their accommodation as their needs change — for example, starting in a unit when children are young and moving to a house as the family grows, all within the same suburb and school catchment.
Safety & Transport
Crime & Safety
Cabramatta recorded a crime rate of 8,883 incidents per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025), based on 1,878 recorded incidents. This is above the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000, placing the suburb in the "above average crime" category. The safety rank of 0.77 (where higher values indicate less safe areas) confirms that crime is a notable consideration for families evaluating this suburb.
It is important to note that Cabramatta's crime profile has improved significantly from its historical reputation. However, the current data shows it still sits above the state average, and families — particularly those with younger children — should factor this into their decision-making. As with any suburb, specific streets and precincts vary in safety profile.
Transport
Cabramatta has its own train station on the T2 Inner West & Leppington line, providing a direct rail connection into the Sydney CBD. Key transport figures:
- Drive to CBD: Approx. 46 minutes
- Public transit to CBD: Approx. 65 minutes
- Distance to CBD: Approx. 37.6 km
The presence of a dedicated train station is a significant advantage for Cabramatta, as many Western Sydney suburbs rely solely on bus services. The station provides frequent services during peak hours, making the suburb viable for CBD commuters, albeit with a longer journey time than inner-west or northern suburbs.
Beyond the CBD commute, Cabramatta station also connects to Parramatta — Sydney's emerging "second CBD" and a major employment hub in Western Sydney — as well as Liverpool and other key Western Sydney centres. This means residents are not solely reliant on the Sydney CBD for work opportunities, which is an increasingly important consideration as Western Sydney's employment base continues to grow. For families with school-age children, the train provides independent transport options for older students attending schools in neighbouring suburbs such as Canley Vale or Fairfield, reducing the burden on parents for daily school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Cabramatta is well-suited for:
- Chinese-Australian families seeking a strong community network — With 27.9% Chinese population (top 3% in Sydney), Cabramatta offers unmatched access to Chinese-language services, cultural activities, and community support.
- Budget-conscious first-home buyers — Units at approx. $500K (bottom 5% in Sydney) and houses at approx. $1.4M (below the Sydney median of $1.5M) make this one of the more affordable suburbs with a large Chinese community.
- Families comfortable with a local public school — Cabramatta High School (AU Guide Score 64.5/100) provides solid educational outcomes for a government school in Western Sydney.
- Renters looking for value near a train station — With 2-bedroom units from approx. $430/wk and direct rail access to the CBD, Cabramatta offers a practical base for working families.
Cabramatta may NOT be suitable for:
- Families who prioritise top-tier school performance — The highest AU Guide Score in the area is 64.5 (Cabramatta High). Families targeting schools with scores above 80 or seeking selective school proximity will find better options in suburbs like Eastwood, Carlingford, or Chatswood.
- Those with low tolerance for above-average crime rates — At 8,883 per 100,000, Cabramatta's crime rate is 34% above the NSW average of 6,635. Families seeking suburbs with below-average crime should consider alternatives in the Upper North Shore or Hills District.
- CBD professionals seeking a short commute — At approx. 65 minutes by public transit and approx. 46 minutes by car, Cabramatta is not ideal for those who need to be in the CBD daily with minimal travel time.
In one line: Cabramatta is an affordable, culturally rich suburb with strong Chinese community ties, but families should weigh the above-average crime rate and moderate school performance against the significant cost savings and community benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median house price in Cabramatta?
The median house price in Cabramatta is approx. $1.4M, which is below the Sydney-wide median of approx. $1.5M. Units are significantly more affordable at approx. $500K, ranking in the bottom 5% of Sydney unit prices. This makes Cabramatta one of the more accessible suburbs for families looking to buy in an area with a large Chinese community (ABS Census 2021, Domain 2025).
Is Cabramatta safe for families?
Cabramatta has a crime rate of 8,883 incidents per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025), which is above the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000. While the suburb has improved significantly from its historical reputation, the current data places it in the "above average crime" category. Families should visit the area at different times of day to assess specific streets and precincts that match their comfort level.
How do schools in Cabramatta perform?
The main local school is Cabramatta High School, a government co-ed school with an AU Guide Score of 64.5/100. In the 2025 HSC, it produced 57 Distinguished Achievers, 2 All-rounders, and 3 Top Achievers (NESA 2025). Nearby options include Canley Vale High School (AU Guide Score ~56) and Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield (AU Guide Score ~52).
What percentage of Cabramatta's population is Chinese?
According to the ABS Census 2021, 27.9% of Cabramatta's population (5,891 out of 21,142 residents) identifies as Chinese. This is more than five times the Greater Sydney average of approx. 5%, and ranks Cabramatta in the top 3% of all Sydney suburbs by Chinese population share. The suburb is well-known for its Asian cultural precinct and community infrastructure.
How much is rent in Cabramatta?
Rental prices in Cabramatta are moderate by Sydney standards: 2-bedroom units rent for approx. $430/wk, 3-bedroom units for approx. $550/wk, 2-bedroom houses for approx. $470/wk, and 3-bedroom houses for approx. $620/wk. These rates offer reasonable value for a suburb with its own train station and strong community amenities.
How long does it take to commute from Cabramatta to Sydney CBD?
Cabramatta is approx. 37.6 km from the Sydney CBD. The commute takes approx. 46 minutes by car and approx. 65 minutes by public transit via Cabramatta train station on the T2 Inner West & Leppington line. The suburb's own train station is a significant transport advantage compared to many other Western Sydney suburbs that rely on buses alone.
Data Sources
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) — Census 2021 — Population, demographics, Chinese population data
- Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) — NSW Crime Data 2025 — Crime rate and recorded incidents
- NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) — 2025 HSC Results — Distinguished Achievers, All-rounders, Top Achievers
- Domain — Property Price Data 2025 — Median house and unit prices, rental data
- AU Guide — HSC Scoring Methodology — School performance scoring system
- AU Guide — Cabramatta Suburb Profile — Comprehensive suburb data dashboard