2026–27 NSW Intergenerational Report
Key findings from the 2026–27 NSW Intergenerational Report:
- A larger and older population: NSW is projected to grow to 12 million people by 2065–66. By then, 25 per cent of people are expected to be aged 65 or over, up from 18 per cent today. This will change the housing, services and supports communities will need.
- A lower fiscal gap: NSW’s fiscal gap is projected to be significantly smaller than in previous IGRs but rising expenditure pressures mean fiscal sustainability remains a challenge for the state.
- Higher living standards: GSP per person is projected to increase by 35 per cent over the next 40 years.
- The changing structure of the economy: Services will remain central to NSW’s economy, while new technology, higher workforce skills and the clean energy transition will shape future industries and jobs.
- Climate and economic mobility challenges: Warmer temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events will create economic and budget pressures but clean energy presents new opportunities. At the same time, parental income and inherited wealth will continue to drive inequality of opportunity.
Download the 2026–27 NSW Intergenerational Report (PDF 7.18MB)
2026–27 NSW Intergenerational Report technical papers
The technical papers outline the research and methods used to develop the 2026–27 NSW Intergenerational Report.
2026–27 NSW IGR: Technical note and sensitivity tables
This technical note details the methods and assumptions used to produce the 2026–27 NSW IGR projections, alongside sensitivity analysis of key demographic, economic and fiscal drivers.
TRP26-02 Growing up or growing out: How supporting infill development in established areas could reshape Sydney over the next 40 years
This paper models how planning reforms could reshape Sydney over the next 40 years, showing how allowing more infill development could lower housing costs, shorten commutes and reduce urban sprawl.
TRP26-03 Workforce participation rate projections: Approaches and challenges to projecting participation over the long term
This paper reviews the approaches used to produce previous participation rate projections and develops a new framework for the 2026–27 NSW IGR, drawing on the latest evidence about the structural factors that shape participation.
Previous intergenerational reports
NSW IGRs are published every five years. Each IGR provides a long-term view of the trends shaping NSW, including demographic change, workforce participation, housing, productivity growth and state finances.