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Housing Affordability and Homelessness Insights

There have been multiple studies that analyse housing affordability and homelessness from diverse perspectives across Australia and NSW. There is also emerging industry research that drills down to Western Sydney. This paper complements this work and focuses on drawing out the key themes from several critical data sets.

We know from our work in Western Sydney that secure, appropriate and affordable housing can turn lives around. Governments and communities need to work together to reinvigorate our social housing system in NSW and significantly increase the supply of affordable housing. We have a moral responsibility to ensure that everyone has a home.

Stephen McIntyre

CEO, Wentworth Community Housing
Stephen McIntyre

Access to safe, affordable and appropriate housing is a fundamental human need and right. Western Sydney Community Forum has joined with Wentworth Community Housing to place a spotlight on the region and draw out the key messages that evidence a shifting landscape of housing and homelessness.

Billie Sankovic

CEO, Western Sydney Community Forum
Billie Sankovic

What we know

More than 110,000 households are in housing stress doughnut chart
More than 110,000 households are in housing stress
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More than 110,000 households are in housing stress doughnut chart
32.8 percent of renting households are in rental stress bar chart
32.8 percent of renting households are in rental stress
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32.8 percent of renting households are in rental stress bar chart
Rental costs increased at a higher rate than incomes, with most areas showing a higher price to income gap than Greater Sydney bar chart
Rental costs increased at a higher rate than incomes, with most areas showing a higher price to income gap than Greater Sydney
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Rental costs increased at a higher rate than incomes, with most areas showing a higher price to income gap than Greater Sydney bar chart
Homelessness increased significantly since 2011, at a far greater rate than the state and national increases map
Homelessness increased significantly since 2011, at a far greater rate than the state and national increases
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Homelessness increased significantly since 2011, at a far greater rate than the state and national increases map
The current social and affordable housing supply only met 40.6 percent of total demand bar chart
The current social and affordable housing supply only met 40.6 percent of total demand
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The current social and affordable housing supply only met 40.6 percent of total demand bar chart
Almost 6,500 additional social and affordable housing dwellings are needed per year to meet the forecast demand in 2036 bar chart
Almost 6,500 additional social and affordable housing dwellings are needed per year to meet the forecast demand in 2036
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Almost 6,500 additional social and affordable housing dwellings are needed per year to meet the forecast demand in 2036 bar chart
pink and blue icons of tall building, someone sleeping and house
There are considerations for each local government area
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pink and blue icons of tall building, someone sleeping and house

Want to know more about the key themes in housing affordability and homelessness data?

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