Charlestown (NSW)

Detail

Charlestown (NSW) has a population of about 14,377 as of May 2026, calculated from ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census. This shows an expansion of 776 people (5.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 13,601 people. This shift is derived from a resident population of 14,306, estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census. The population density is 2,019 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level across locations analyzed by Districts. The 5.7% expansion in Charlestown (NSW) since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of NSW (4.9%), making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 50.0% of the population increase over recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is highly educated with significant employment in essential services. The unemployment rate stands at 3.9%, according to Districts data compiled from statistical areas. As of March 2026, there are 7,820 working residents, and the unemployment rate is 0.2% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%. Workforce participation is particularly high at 69.7% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW. Census data reveals that 27.4% of working residents performed their duties from home, though this figure was likely influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.

Detail

According to Districts postcode data for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Charlestown have a median income of $56,085 and an average income of $75,049. This is higher than Regional NSW where the median is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $61,873 for the median and $82,794 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual, household, and family incomes in the area were at the 59th percentile nationally. The most common income range is $1,500 - 2,999, which includes 33.2% of residents (4,773 people), compared to 29.9% across the region. High housing costs take up of incomes, but strong earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing composition in Charlestown consisted of 76.2% detached houses and 23.8% other dwelling types such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was lower than the regional average, with 35.2% of properties owned outright, while 38.1% had mortgages and 26.7% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,000 and the median weekly rent was $400, both higher than the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330. Nationally, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up 70.0% of all households, with 30.3% being couples with children, 26.8% being couples without children, and 12.2% being single parents. The remaining 30.0% are non-family households, consisting of lone person households at 26.1% and group houses at 3.9%. The median household size of 2.5 people is slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Detail

The local area has a strong academic profile, with university graduation rates at 28.5% of residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3%. Bachelor degrees are held by 20.2% of residents, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 37.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 26.5%.

Detail

Public transport analysis identifies 128 active transit stops in the area, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 56 different routes, which provide a total of 2,147 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents living an average of 157 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 92%. Dwellings have an average of 1.4 vehicles. A high proportion of residents, 27.4%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Analysis of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence indicates notable health challenges in the community. However, private health insurance uptake is very high, covering approximately 57% of the population (~8,134 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW.

Detail

The local population has lower cultural diversity than average, with 86.4% of residents born in Australia, 92.1% holding citizenship, and 90.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 49.7% of residents. The most noticeable religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which is practiced by 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

Detail

The median age of 37 years is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 and very close to the Australian average of 38. The age breakdown shows a high proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds (15.5%), while the 65 - 74 age bracket is smaller (8.4%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 14.6% to 15.8%, while the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest shifts in the population structure, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 564 people () from to while the to and to age groups are expected to shrink.

Detail

Charlestown currently has an estimated 992 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 579 children aged 0-2 and 385 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 1,181 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,506. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.