Population boom: Rhodes continues to attract residents for its premium apartments and views

Rhodes is having a prolonged growth spurt.

The population of this Inner West peninsula suburb doubled between 2011 and 2021, reaching 11,453, and is forecast to grow to 18,000 by 2036.

According to the City of Canada Bay Council, NSW government housing strategies for Rhodes could result in densities of around 20,000 residents per square kilometre, making it one of the most densely populated communities in Australia.

Redevelopment began in the early 2000s with extensive remediation of the industrial land, and is set to continue for the foreseeable future as developers hoover up the remaining land parcels.
More than 350 units changed hands last year, with the medianapartment price up 2.1 per cent over the same period and 11.2 per cent over five years.
Agent Jen Yen says the local population is dominated by first and second-generation Chinese and Koreans, many of whom are accustomed to living in high-rise-heavy neighbourhoods. But it’s not a first-home buyers’ market.

“Rhodes is very expensive compared to other high-density Sydney suburbs like Strathfield and Meadowbank,” she says, noting that one-bedders routinely rent for $900 a week and three-bedders for $1500 a week.

She says the suburb offers a choice of premium apartments, many with water views and resort-styleamenities
.