Opening a childcare in Surry Hills, NSW: Market & Competitor Analysis (2026)
Surry Hills, NSW currently has 10 active childcare centres businesses. Based on ABS demographics and Google Places competitor data, Surry Hills scores 64/100 on the Strategique Score™ for anyone weighing up opening a childcare here.
Surry Hills childcare centres market snapshot
| Strategique Score™ | 64/100 |
|---|---|
| Active childcare centres businesses | 10 |
| Local population (ABS) | 15,828 residents |
| Median household income (ABS 2021) | $2,308/week |
| Data updated | August 2026 |
Strategic insight: the Surry Hills childcare centres market
Households here can absorb premium fees without hesitation. A weekly household income of $2,308 sits well above the Sydney average, while unemployment of 4.7 per cent points to dual-income families who need full-day placements rather than casual minding. That combination signals demand for extended hours, educational add-ons and enrichment programs, not basic care alone. Operators who price for convenience and curriculum quality, rather than compete on cost, will meet far less resistance in Surry Hills than in outer suburbs where budget constraints dominate purchasing decisions.
Top-rated childcare centres in Surry Hills
| Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Surry Hills Early Learning Centre | 5.0★ | 11 |
| Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre Long Day Care | 5.0★ | 9 |
| SDN Surry Hills - Children's Education and Care Centre | 5.0★ | 2 |
7 more childcare centres businesses are mapped in the full Surry Hills report.
Deeper analysis: Surry Hills childcare centres market
Opening a childcare in Surry Hills: common questions
How many childcare centres are there in Surry Hills?
Ten centres currently operate in Surry Hills, a moderate cluster for a suburb this size. Despite that headcount, effective density sits at just 17 out of 100, meaning the day-to-day competitive pressure operators actually feel is lower than the raw count implies, since thin review histories dilute the real threat.
Is Surry Hills a good place to open a childcare centre?
Yes, on the current figures. The Strategique Score sits at 64 out of 100, rated Strong, driven by a Market Opportunity of 77 out of 100 against a Competitor Strength Index of only 29 out of 100. Demand is running ahead of the calibre of existing supply, which is the combination operators want before entering an inner-city market.
How strong is the existing childcare competition in Surry Hills?
Weaker than the headcount suggests. Surry Hills Early Learning Centre (5 stars, 11 reviews), Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre Long Day Care (5 stars, 9 reviews) and SDN Surry Hills (5 stars, 2 reviews) lead the field, but none has built a review base deep enough to count as dominant.
What do Surry Hills demographics mean for what parents will pay?
Weekly household income of $2,308, against unemployment of 4.7 per cent across a population of 15,828, points to dual-income families with capacity to pay for full-day, extended-hours and enrichment-based care. Fee discounting is not required to fill places in this catchment.
What's the best way to open a childcare centre in Surry Hills right now?
Move fast on building reviews — the top three competitors hold only 11, 9 and 2 reviews between them, so an active review-generation approach from opening week can outpace them quickly. Position on extended hours and staff ratios rather than price, and target households earning above the $2,308 weekly benchmark.
Childcare Centres markets in nearby suburbs
- Childcare Centres in Adelaide CBD
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- Childcare Centres in Balcatta
- Childcare Centres in Ballarat
- Childcare Centres in Bathurst
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