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Russell Lea

NSW 2046 • Greater Sydney

4,920
Population (2021)
$138,216
Median Household Income
1.02 km²
Area
$520/wk
Median Rent
Heritage CharmWaterfrontAffluentInner West
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About Russell Lea

Russell Lea is a quiet, affluent suburb in Sydney's Inner West, situated 8 kilometres west of the CBD on the western shore of Iron Cove. With a population of nearly 5,000, this small residential enclave in the City of Canada Bay is known for its tree-lined streets, heritage Federation homes, and large waterfront properties. Named after pastoralist and politician Russell Barton who developed the original estate, it retains a distinctly village-like character.

The suburb offers a peaceful retreat from inner-city bustle while remaining exceptionally well-connected. Victoria Road provides rapid bus services to the CBD in just 15 minutes, while the scenic Iron Cove foreshore attracts joggers and cyclists. St Andrews Anglican Church anchors the community, and nearby Five Dock and Drummoyne offer comprehensive shopping and dining. Russell Lea attracts established professionals and families who value heritage homes, waterfront access, and a genuine neighbourhood feel within easy reach of the city.

Russell Lea falls under postcode 2046 and is governed by the Canada Bay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Reid, while state elections fall under the Drummoyne electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2046
Urban Area
Canada Bay
LGA / Council
Canada Bay
Federal Electorate
Reid
State Electorate
Drummoyne
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.86°, 151.14°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
1.02 km²
Population Density
4,824 /km²
Elevation
20m

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🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Russell Lea for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$3.3M
72 sales · ▲ 8.9% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$1.31M
28 sales · ▲ 3.4% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2046

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2046, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$63,472
Median 2023–24
$76,723
▲ 20.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$116,619

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2046; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$47,684
Personal Income 2021
$58,916
▲ 23.6% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$58,916 / yr
$1133/wk
Household
$138,216 / yr
$2658/wk
Family
$169,312 / yr
$3256/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$520
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,290
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.7%

81 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 438, 439, 461, M52 — Sydney CBD (Town Hall) 14-20 min
  • 438, 439 — Burwood 15 min

Commute to Sydney

Distance
8 km
By Bus
15-20 min
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15 min

🛣️ Frequent bus services via Victoria Road every 5-10 minutes. No direct train access; nearest station is Burwood.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Residential suburb with local shops; Five Dock and Drummoyne nearby for comprehensive retail.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,001
Census 2021
4,920
▼ 1.6% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Canada Bay Local Government Area, which contains Russell Lea. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
243.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.3%
Motor vehicle theft
116 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
212.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
3.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
213.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.3%
View all 62 offence types for Canada Bay →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,424
Born Overseas 1,327

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Italy 308
  • 2. England 161
  • 3. China 90
  • 4. Greece 84
  • 5. New Zealand 72
  • 6. Vietnam 42
  • 7. Ireland 41
  • 8. Hong Kong 28
  • 9. Philippines 27
  • 10. India 24

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,182
Italian 1,154
Australian 1,152
Irish 553
Chinese 329
Scottish 315
Greek 314
Lebanese 119
German 103
Croatian 88

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,884
Both parents born in Australia
2,113
Both parents born overseas
752
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
63.5%
No Religion
28.3%
Buddhism
1.7%
Islam
0.8%
Hinduism
0.7%
Judaism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.1%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
235 (4.8%)
5-14 years
679 (13.8%)
15-19 years
270 (5.5%)
20-24 years
235 (4.8%)
25-34 years
514 (10.4%)
35-44 years
635 (12.9%)
45-54 years
816 (16.6%)
55-64 years
614 (12.5%)
65-74 years
458 (9.3%)
75-84 years
272 (5.5%)
85+ years
187 (3.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Russell Lea known for? +

Russell Lea is a quiet, affluent suburb in Sydney's Inner West, situated 8 kilometres west of the CBD on the western shore of Iron Cove.

How far is Russell Lea from Sydney? +

Russell Lea is approximately 8 kilometres from Sydney. The drive takes around 20-30 min during peak hour and 15 min off-peak.

Does Russell Lea have public transport? +

Russell Lea is served by bus routes (438, 439, 461, M52) connecting to Sydney CBD (Town Hall) with a travel time of approximately 14-20 min. There is no train or metro station in the suburb.

What is the population of Russell Lea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Russell Lea has a population of approximately 4,920 residents.

Is Russell Lea a good place to live? +

Russell Lea offers a suburban lifestyle in NSW. The area suits those looking for a quieter setting away from major urban centres.

What is the postcode for Russell Lea? +

The postcode for Russell Lea in NSW is 2046.

What is the average income in Russell Lea? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Russell Lea is about $1,133 per week (around $58,900 per year). The median household income is $2,658 per week and the median family income is $3,256 per week.

What is the median house price in Russell Lea? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $3,300,000, up 8.9% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $1,307,500, up 3.4% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Russell Lea? +

The median age in Russell Lea is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (816 residents, around 17%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Russell Lea a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Russell Lea is part of the Canada Bay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Russell Lea? +

In Russell Lea, the median weekly rent is $520, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $3,290 (2021 Census).