Newcastle (NSW)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Newcastle's population is estimated at around 5,227 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,375 people (35.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,852 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,064, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 377 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,545 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Newcastle's 35.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (4.9%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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A highly qualified labor force characterizes the suburb of Newcastle, with professional services representing a major employment sector, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and job growth estimated at 1.1% over the prior year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 3,393, while the local unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. Labor force participation is exceptionally high at 74.2%, compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 35.9% of the local workforce operated from home, though this figure reflects temporary pandemic lockdown conditions.

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ATO taxation data for the financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the suburb of Newcastle recorded a median income of $64,975 and an average income of $101,142. These figures are high by national standards and compare to median and average values of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.32% since the financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $71,680 for median income and $111,580 for average income in March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly earnings at the 93rd percentile nationally ($1,251), whereas household incomes ranked lower at the 62nd percentile. Income brackets show 35.2% of taxpayers (1,839 individuals) earning between - which is comparable to the recorded regionally. While housing expenses consume of earnings, disposable income remains at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Newcastle at the time of the latest Census consisted of 2.2% separate houses and 97.8% multi-unit dwellings, such as apartments and semi-detached properties. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where separate houses make up 82.6% of the market and other dwellings represent 17.4%. Homeownership rates are lower than regional benchmarks, with owner-occupiers without a mortgage at 25.6%, while mortgaged properties account for 19.2% and rental housing accounts for 55.3%. Median monthly mortgage costs are high at $2,167 compared to the regional average of $1,733, while weekly rent averages $490 compared to the Regional NSW average of $330. Nationally, local mortgage commitments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 46.0% of local households, consisting of couples without children at 32.2%, couples with children at 7.8%, and single-parent households at 5.1%. Non-family households account for the remaining 54.0%, with lone-person households representing 47.3% and group housing comprising 6.7%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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Educational qualifications in the suburb of Newcastle are high, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 26.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 29.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 13.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational training is also common, with 30.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a non-university qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 18.6%.

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The suburb of Newcastle has 35 active public transport stops, providing a mix of ferry, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes, which host 4,560 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transport is good, with residents living an average of 94 meters from their nearest stop. The majority of working residents commute outside the area, with private vehicles being the most common mode of travel at 71%, followed by walking at 19% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership is low, averaging 0.6 cars per household. A total of 35.9% of residents worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census.

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Health indicators in the suburb of Newcastle show favorable results, with low rates of chronic illness and mortality across all age categories. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 67% of the population (3,491 people) holding cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Newcastle shows a higher level of cultural diversity than regional averages, with 20.6% of residents born outside Australia and 12.2% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 41.2% of the population. Judaism shows a small but notable concentration at 0.2% of residents, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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The median age in the suburb of Newcastle is 41 years, which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 - 34 represent 23.3% of the population, which is higher than both the Regional NSW average and the national average of 14.6%. Conversely, children aged 5 - 14 make up only 2.5% of residents. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.6% to 6.7%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 3.7% to 2.5%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to . Demographic projections to indicate that the to age group will experience the largest growth, increasing by (an additional residents) to reach .

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Newcastle currently has an estimated 162 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 111 children aged 0-2 and 74 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 69% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 50% by 2041 (to approximately 243 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 206. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally.