Russell Lea
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Russell Lea, NSW 2046.
About Russell Lea
Welcome to Russell Lea
Russell Lea is a small, leafy pocket of Sydney's Inner West, tucked between Drummoyne and Five Dock about seven kilometres west of the CBD. Bounded by water on one side and quiet residential streets on the other, it's one of those suburbs many Sydneysiders drive past on the way to Chiswick or Rodd Point without ever quite realising it's there — which is largely how the locals like it.
With a population of just under 5,000 and a median age of 43, Russell Lea has the feel of a settled, family-oriented enclave rather than a bustling commercial strip. It suits buyers after harbourside living without the crowds of nearby Balmain or Rozelle, and who don't mind paying a premium for the privilege of a quieter address.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Russell Lea revolves around its parks, its water frontage and its proximity to the cafes and restaurants of neighbouring Drummoyne and Five Dock, rather than any commercial strip of its own. Locals tend to walk or drive the short distance to Victoria Road or Great North Road for their coffee, groceries and dinner out, giving Russell Lea the character of a residential retreat that borrows its buzz from next door. It's a suburb built for morning walks along the water and weekend catch-ups rather than nightlife.
Shopping
There's no major shopping centre within Russell Lea itself, but that's rarely a problem given how close it sits to the retail strips of Five Dock and Drummoyne, both known for their Italian delis, bakeries and boutique fashion stores. Broader shopping needs are easily met at nearby Rhodes or the Drummoyne shopping village, both a short drive away.
Getting around
Russell Lea's peninsula-like position between Iron Cove and the Parramatta River makes it a genuinely pretty place to live, but it does mean road access funnels through a handful of routes via Wareemba and Drummoyne. Buses connect residents to the CBD and to Rhodes and Burwood for train connections, while the ferry wharves at nearby Drummoyne and Chiswick offer a scenic, if less frequent, alternative into the city. Most households rely on cars for day-to-day movement, with Victoria Road providing the main arterial link east and west.
Schools & families
Russell Lea Public School anchors the suburb's family appeal, giving younger children a genuine walk-to-school option within the local streets. Families looking further afield have easy access to the well-regarded schools of Drummoyne, Five Dock and the broader Inner West, making the suburb a popular choice for parents wanting harbourside living without leaving the public or nearby private school catchments they know.
Parks & recreation
Water is Russell Lea's defining feature, and its foreshore reserves and parks make the most of it, offering walking paths, water views and green space that larger, denser suburbs nearby can't match. The surrounding waterway also opens up sailing, kayaking and fishing for those inclined, while Timbrell Park and the Bay Run — one of the Inner West's most popular walking and cycling loops — are within easy reach via Chiswick and Rodd Point.
The property market
Russell Lea's property market is dominated by houses, which make up 67% of current listings, followed by apartments and units at 21%, townhouses at 6% and land at 3% — a mix that reflects the suburb's low-density, family-home character. The median house price sits at $3.02 million, having grown 7.1% recently, while units offer a comparatively more accessible entry point at a median of $1.11 million. Renters pay a median of $1,198 a week, underlining that Russell Lea, while small, commands prices in line with its sought-after position among Wareemba, Chiswick, Drummoyne, Rodd Point and Five Dock.
Market snapshot
Russell Lea property market
Median sale price
$3.02m
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$1,198
per week
Gross rental yield
2.1%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$2.17m
Median
$3.02m
Premium
$4.64m
Days on market
—
Auction clearance
63%
Sold this year
20
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +3.6% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Russell Lea by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Russell Lea, NSW 2046.
Population
4,920
residents (2021)
Median age
43
years
Household income
$2,658
median, per week
Median rent
$520
per week
Median mortgage
$3,290
per month
Mortgage / income
29%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Russell Lea
Government school catchment
Recent results
Recently sold in Russell Lea
$279k
4E Brent Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.20m
4/11-13 Bay Road
Sold ~July 2026
$3.80m
2A Myalora Street
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Russell Lea
Compare the area
Price map around Russell Lea
Every listing for sale near Russell Lea, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Nearby suburbs
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Common questions
Russell Lea suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Russell Lea?
The median house price in Russell Lea, NSW is $3.02m for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 7.1%.
How much is rent in Russell Lea?
The median weekly rent in Russell Lea is around $1,198 per week.
Is Russell Lea a good place to live?
Russell Lea is a small suburb in the inner-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Russell Lea is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 4,920 and 1 school in the area.
What is the population of Russell Lea?
Russell Lea has a population of 4,920 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 43.
What schools are in Russell Lea?
There is 1 school in or near Russell Lea, including Russell Lea Public School.
How much do you need to buy in Russell Lea?
Entry-level properties in Russell Lea start around $2.17m, while premium homes reach $4.64m.
What suburbs are near Russell Lea?
Suburbs near Russell Lea include Wareemba, Chiswick, Drummoyne, Rodd Point and Five Dock.
Fresh to market
New this week in Russell Lea
A FREESTANDING GEM BATHED IN SUNSHINE
Modern Double Brick Duplex in Peaceful Tree Lined Setting
Available now
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