Suburbs with the Highest Chinese Population in Sydney 2025
Sydney is home to the largest Chinese community in Australia, with several suburbs where Chinese residents make up over 40% of the population. According to ABS Census 2021 data, Eastwood leads with 48.8% Chinese population, followed by Burwood at 48.3% and Hurstville at 47.1%. By absolute numbers, Hurstville has the largest Chinese community with approximately 14,691 residents. House prices in these top Chinese-population suburbs range from approximately $1.7M in Campsie to approximately $3.55M in Chatswood, reflecting significant variation depending on location and established infrastructure.
This report analyses the top 20 Sydney suburbs by Chinese population concentration, drawing on ABS Census 2021 demographics, Domain 2025 property data, BOCSAR September 2025 crime statistics, and AU Guide's 2025 HSC school rankings.
Key Findings
- Seven Sydney suburbs have a Chinese population exceeding 40%: Eastwood (48.8%), Burwood (48.3%), Hurstville (47.1%), East Killara (46.7%), Rhodes (43.2%), Chatswood (42.4%), and Carlingford (40.6%)
- Hurstville has the largest absolute Chinese population at approximately 14,691, followed by Epping (~11,927) and Carlingford (~11,395)
- The safest suburb in the top 20 is East Killara with a crime rate of approximately 794 per 100,000 — roughly 88% below the NSW average of 6,635
- The most affordable entry point is Campsie, with a median unit price of approximately $675,000 and houses at approximately $1.7M
- Carlingford is home to James Ruse Agricultural High School (AU Guide Score: 97.75), Australia's top-performing selective school
Top 20 Suburbs by Chinese Population Percentage
| Rank | Suburb | Region | Chinese % | Chinese Pop. | Total Pop. | House Price | Unit Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastwood | Northern Sydney | 48.8% | ~9,129 | ~18,695 | ~$2.65M | ~$880K |
| 2 | Burwood | Inner West | 48.3% | ~8,801 | ~18,224 | ~$3.3M | ~$960K |
| 3 | Hurstville | Southern Sydney | 47.1% | ~14,691 | ~31,162 | ~$2.15M | ~$755K |
| 4 | East Killara | Northern Sydney | 46.7% | ~1,353 | ~2,895 | ~$3.95M | ~$1.09M |
| 5 | Rhodes | Inner West | 43.2% | ~4,951 | ~11,453 | ~$2.63M | ~$998K |
| 6 | Chatswood | Northern Sydney | 42.4% | ~10,836 | ~25,553 | ~$3.55M | ~$1.04M |
| 7 | Haymarket | CBD | 40.9% | ~3,399 | ~8,305 | N/A | ~$1.23M |
| 8 | Carlingford | Central Sydney | 40.6% | ~11,395 | ~28,044 | ~$2.15M | ~$718K |
| 9 | Epping | Central Sydney | 40.4% | ~11,927 | ~29,551 | ~$2.64M | ~$800K |
| 10 | Denistone East | Northern Sydney | 37.5% | ~860 | ~2,292 | ~$2.69M | ~$745K |
| 11 | Berala | Central Sydney | 37.4% | ~3,274 | ~8,757 | ~$1.67M | ~$795K |
| 12 | Wolli Creek | Inner West | 35.5% | ~3,777 | ~10,654 | ~$1.9M | ~$789K |
| 13 | Chippendale | Inner City | 35.1% | ~2,735 | ~7,803 | ~$1.84M | ~$700K |
| 14 | South Hurstville | Southern Sydney | 34.7% | ~1,811 | ~5,221 | ~$3.0M | ~$867K |
| 15 | Gordon | Northern Sydney | 34.5% | ~3,037 | ~8,795 | N/A | ~$950K |
| 16 | Campsie | Southern Sydney | 34.5% | ~9,005 | ~26,132 | ~$1.7M | ~$675K |
| 17 | Narwee | Southern Sydney | 33.0% | ~1,785 | ~5,411 | ~$1.69M | ~$822K |
| 18 | Zetland | Inner City | 32.8% | ~4,144 | ~12,622 | N/A | ~$900K |
| 19 | Riverwood | Southern Sydney | 32.4% | ~4,141 | ~12,793 | ~$1.64M | ~$700K |
| 20 | Marsfield | Northern Sydney | 32.0% | ~4,000 | ~12,492 | ~$2.65M | ~$880K |
Source: ABS Census 2021 (demographics), Domain 2025 (property prices). Suburbs with total population under 100 excluded to avoid statistical outliers. Sydney's overall Chinese population average is approximately 5.5%.
In-Depth Analysis
Regional Distribution
Sydney's Chinese communities are concentrated in three main corridors:
- Northern Sydney corridor (Eastwood, Chatswood, East Killara, Gordon, Marsfield, Denistone East) — characterised by premium prices, strong schools, and established Chinese infrastructure. Six of the top 20 suburbs are in this region.
- Southern Sydney corridor (Hurstville, South Hurstville, Campsie, Narwee, Riverwood) — offers more affordable entry points, particularly in Campsie (~$1.7M houses) and Riverwood (~$1.64M). Five suburbs from the southern corridor feature in the top 20.
- Inner West and Central corridor (Burwood, Rhodes, Berala, Epping, Carlingford) — a mix of established centres like Burwood and growth areas like Rhodes. This corridor includes some of Sydney's most academically accomplished school zones.
Property Price Comparison
| Price Bracket | Suburbs | House Price Range | Unit Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium ($3M+) | East Killara, Chatswood, Burwood, South Hurstville | $3.0M – $3.95M | $867K – $1.09M |
| Upper Mid ($2M–$3M) | Eastwood, Epping, Rhodes, Denistone East, Marsfield | $2.63M – $2.69M | $745K – $998K |
| Mid ($1.5M–$2M) | Hurstville, Carlingford, Wolli Creek, Chippendale, Narwee, Berala | $1.67M – $2.15M | $700K – $822K |
| Affordable (<$1.7M) | Campsie, Riverwood | $1.64M – $1.7M | $675K – $700K |
The Sydney median house price is approximately $1.5M (Domain 2025). Every suburb in the top 20 by Chinese population exceeds this benchmark for houses, indicating that established Chinese communities tend to be in mid-to-premium property markets. However, units offer a more accessible entry — Campsie units at approximately $675,000 and Chippendale at approximately $700,000 are among the most affordable options with significant Chinese communities.
Safety Comparison
Safety varies significantly across these suburbs. The NSW average crime rate is 6,635 incidents per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR, September 2025).
| Safety Tier | Suburbs | Crime Rate (per 100K) | vs NSW Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Safe (<2,000) | East Killara (~794), Denistone East (~1,091), Killara (~1,441) | 794 – 1,441 | 78–88% below |
| Safe (2,000–4,000) | Marsfield (~2,225), Epping (~2,345), Gordon (~2,626), Carlingford (~2,828), South Hurstville (~2,911), Berala (~3,220), Wentworth Point (~2,999) | 2,225 – 3,220 | 51–66% below |
| Average (4,000–7,000) | Eastwood (~4,033), Wolli Creek (~4,815), Rhodes (~5,248), Narwee (~5,304), Campsie (~6,375), Zetland (~5,459) | 4,033 – 6,375 | 4–39% below |
| Above Average (>7,000) | Hurstville (~7,638), Chatswood (~7,659), Chippendale (~8,381), Burwood (~11,309), Riverwood (~11,256) | 7,638 – 11,309 | 15–70% above |
East Killara stands out as the safest suburb with Chinese population above 40%, recording approximately 794 incidents per 100,000 — roughly 88% below the state average. At the other end, Burwood and Riverwood have crime rates above 11,000 per 100,000, roughly 70% above the state average. Higher crime rates in commercial centres like Burwood and Chatswood partly reflect retail-related offences rather than residential safety concerns. (Source: BOCSAR, September 2025)
Education Highlights
Several of Sydney's highest-performing schools are located in or near these top Chinese-population suburbs.
| School | Suburb | Sector | AU Guide Score | HSC Distinguished Achievers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Ruse Agricultural High School | Carlingford | Selective | 97.75 | 705 |
| Chatswood High School | Chatswood | Partially Selective | 86.60 | 368 |
| Bethany College | Hurstville | Catholic (Girls) | 86.51 | 190 |
| Carlingford High School | Carlingford | Government | 82.38 | 219 |
| Epping Boys High School | Eastwood | Government (Boys) | 81.73 | 218 |
| St Pius X College | Chatswood | Independent (Boys) | 77.82 | 113 |
| Mercy Catholic College | Chatswood | Catholic (Girls) | 77.79 | 149 |
Carlingford is the standout for education, hosting James Ruse Agricultural High School — the highest-scoring school in the AU Guide NSW rankings with a score of 97.75 and 705 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC. Chatswood offers three strong options across government, Catholic, and independent sectors. For detailed scoring methodology, see AU Guide HSC scoring method. (Source: AU Guide 2025 HSC data)
Top Suburbs by Absolute Chinese Population
While percentage shows concentration, absolute numbers reveal the size of the community. The top 10 suburbs by total Chinese residents paint a different picture, as larger suburbs with lower percentages can still have very large Chinese communities.
| Rank | Suburb | Chinese Population | Chinese % | Total Population | House Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurstville | ~14,691 | 47.1% | ~31,162 | ~$2.15M |
| 2 | Epping | ~11,927 | 40.4% | ~29,551 | ~$2.64M |
| 3 | Carlingford | ~11,395 | 40.6% | ~28,044 | ~$2.15M |
| 4 | Chatswood | ~10,836 | 42.4% | ~25,553 | ~$3.55M |
| 5 | Eastwood | ~9,129 | 48.8% | ~18,695 | ~$2.65M |
| 6 | Campsie | ~9,005 | 34.5% | ~26,132 | ~$1.7M |
| 7 | Burwood | ~8,801 | 48.3% | ~18,224 | ~$3.3M |
| 8 | Auburn | ~8,574 | 21.8% | ~39,333 | ~$1.49M |
| 9 | Castle Hill | ~8,248 | 20.2% | ~40,874 | ~$2.48M |
| 10 | Ryde | ~7,097 | 22.2% | ~31,907 | ~$2.69M |
Auburn and Castle Hill enter the top 10 by absolute numbers despite having Chinese percentages of 21.8% and 20.2% respectively — their large total populations (approximately 39,333 and approximately 40,874) mean the Chinese communities are substantial in real terms. (Source: ABS Census 2021)
What This Means for Families
Budget-Conscious Families
For families seeking an established Chinese community without premium prices, Campsie (houses ~$1.7M, units ~$675K, 34.5% Chinese) and Riverwood (houses ~$1.64M, units ~$700K, 32.4% Chinese) offer the most affordable entry points. Both have train stations and are in the southern Sydney corridor with access to Hurstville's commercial Chinese centre.
Education-Focused Families
Carlingford (40.6% Chinese, houses ~$2.15M) provides access to James Ruse Agricultural High School and Carlingford High School. Chatswood (42.4% Chinese, houses ~$3.55M) has three schools scoring above 77 on AU Guide. Eastwood (48.8% Chinese, houses ~$2.65M) is home to Epping Boys High School (AU Guide Score: 81.73). Browse full rankings on the AU Guide NSW School Rankings page.
Safety-Focused Families
East Killara (46.7% Chinese, ~794 per 100K crime rate) is the safest option among high Chinese-population suburbs, though it commands a premium at approximately $3.95M for houses. For a safer suburb at a lower price point, Epping (~2,345 per 100K, houses ~$2.64M) and Carlingford (~2,828 per 100K, houses ~$2.15M) are both well below the NSW average. Use the AU Guide NSW Suburbs directory to compare safety ratings across all suburbs.
FAQ
Which Sydney suburb has the highest Chinese population percentage?
Eastwood leads with 48.8% Chinese population (approximately 9,129 residents out of approximately 18,695 total), followed by Burwood at 48.3% and Hurstville at 47.1% (ABS Census 2021). These three suburbs have nearly half their population identifying as Chinese ancestry.
Which suburb has the most Chinese residents by total number?
Hurstville has the largest Chinese community by absolute numbers with approximately 14,691 residents, followed by Epping (~11,927) and Carlingford (~11,395). These suburbs combine high Chinese percentages with large total populations, resulting in very large communities (ABS Census 2021).
What is the most affordable suburb with a large Chinese community?
Among suburbs with 30%+ Chinese population, Campsie offers the most affordable houses at approximately $1.7M and units at approximately $675,000. Riverwood is similar with houses at approximately $1.64M and units at approximately $700,000. Both are below the Sydney median house price of approximately $1.5M for units, though house prices exceed the median. For broader options, Auburn (21.8% Chinese) has houses at approximately $1.49M (Domain 2025).
Which high-Chinese-population suburb is safest?
East Killara is the safest with a crime rate of approximately 794 per 100,000 — roughly 88% below the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000 (BOCSAR September 2025). Other safe options include Denistone East (~1,091), Marsfield (~2,225), and Epping (~2,345), all well below the state average.
Which suburbs are best for Chinese families prioritising schools?
Carlingford stands out with James Ruse Agricultural High School (AU Guide Score: 97.75, 705 Distinguished Achievers) and Carlingford High School (82.38). Chatswood offers three schools scoring 77+ on AU Guide. Eastwood provides access to Epping Boys High School (81.73). All three suburbs have Chinese populations above 40% and are within approximately 30 minutes drive of the CBD.
Are these suburbs all on the North Shore?
No. While Northern Sydney has six suburbs in the top 20 (Eastwood, Chatswood, East Killara, Gordon, Marsfield, Denistone East), Southern Sydney also has five (Hurstville, South Hurstville, Campsie, Narwee, Riverwood). The Inner West/Central corridor adds Burwood, Rhodes, Berala, Epping, and Carlingford. Chinese communities are spread across multiple regions of Sydney.
Data Sources
- ABS Census 2021 — Chinese population, total population, percentage calculations
- Domain — median house and unit prices, 2025 data
- BOCSAR (Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) — crime rates per 100,000 residents, September 2025
- AU Guide NSW School Rankings — HSC results, AU Guide scores, 2025 data
- AU Guide HSC Scoring Methodology
- AU Guide NSW Suburbs Directory