According to the Australian Bureau Statistics there were 177,544 people as at 30 June 2006, the seventh largest Local Government Area in New South Wales which was 2.6% of the New South Wales population of 6,827,694.
There was an increase of 181 people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 67th largest population growth in a Local Government Area in New South Wales, which was 0.3% of the 58,753 increase in the population of New South Wales.
In percentage terms, an increase of 0.1% in the number of people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 129th fastest growth in population of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 0.9% There was an increase in population over the 10 years to 30 June 2001 of 9,676 people or 5.8% (0.6% in annual average terms), the 66th highest rate of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 622,966 or 10% (1.0% in annual average terms) over the same period.
A range of programs are run between Penrith and its international links in areas such as education, culture and the economy. Penrith City Council manages the programs with support from members of the local community.