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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
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Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Belmont South - Blacksmiths is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends
Belmont South - Blacksmiths' population was 5,680 as of the 2021 Census. As of Feb 2026, it is around 5,849, an increase of 169 people (3.0%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 5,792 in June 2024 and 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 858 persons per square kilometer. Belmont South - Blacksmiths' 3.0% growth since the census is within 1.1 percentage points of its SA3 area's 4.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.2% of overall population gains recently.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Belmont South - Blacksmiths is expected to increase by 69 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 0.2% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Belmont South - Blacksmiths, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Belmont South - Blacksmiths has recorded approximately 19 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 97 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options while potentially enabling population growth to exceed current expectations.
The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings over this period was $371,000. In FY26, there have been $351,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the rest of NSW, Belmont South - Blacksmiths records 19.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 39th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached houses and 27.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.
The estimated population per dwelling approval is 557 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Belmont South - Blacksmiths is forecasted to gain 12 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Belmont South - Blacksmiths has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Pelican Foreshore Stabilisation Project, Belmont South Foreshore Stabilisation, Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System, and Belmont Desalination Plant. The following list details those most relevant:.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Pelican Foreshore Stabilisation Project
Comprehensive coastal erosion management project addressing foreshore stabilization at Pelican through rock groyne construction, sand nourishment, and protective structures. Part of Lake Macquarie's Coastal Management Program to protect emergency and recreational assets from ongoing erosion in the dynamic Lake Macquarie channel environment. The project includes multiple precincts with works to stabilize the foreshore, protect community infrastructure, and maintain public access to the waterfront.
Swansea Channel Dredging and Sand Transfer System
Multi-stage program to maintain safe navigation in Swansea Channel and deliver a permanent dredge and sand transfer system. Stage 3 maintenance dredging occurred in mid-2025 focusing on the Dog Leg, while Council has awarded a $7.4m tender to supply a Beaver 30 dredge and associated sand transfer system. Installation is scheduled from late 2025 to mid-2026, with commissioning targeted for mid-2026. Transport for NSW will operate the system for at least five years, with dredged sand to nourish Blacksmiths Beach.
Swansea Channel Permanent Dredging Solution
A permanent dredging solution for Swansea Channel, the entrance to Lake Macquarie, involving a Beaver 30 dredge vessel and sand transfer system to maintain safe navigation for vessels, with sand pumped to Blacksmiths Beach. The project includes upgrades to the Blacksmiths boat ramp and aims to address ongoing sand accumulation issues.
Belmont South Foreshore Stabilisation
Multi-stage foreshore stabilisation and rehabilitation project protecting Belmont Bay (Stage 1 completed January 2024) and Village Bay against erosion, wave overtopping, tidal inundation, flooding, and seagrass/sludge buildup. Works include erosion control, improved drainage and stormwater infrastructure, amenity enhancements, public access improvements, vegetation restoration, and native planting for climate resilience and biodiversity. Covers approximately 330m of foreshore near Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park.
Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan
The Belmont Sports Fields Master Plan involves multi-stage upgrades to create a premier sports precinct. Stage 1, completed in March 2025 at a cost of $14 million, includes new rectangular fields, a baseball diamond, cricket wickets, irrigation, lighting, amenities buildings, and resurfacing of 14 netball courts. Future stages, estimated at $25 million, will include further field improvements, drainage, grandstands, seating, and car park upgrades to support local and regional competitions.
Belmont Business Park
Lake Macquarie's new commercial and light industrial development offering exceptional quality units with innovative space for business owners, trades, start-ups, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs. Features high-quality concrete construction, mezzanines, dedicated parking, and amenities.
Brooks Parade Belmont Mixed Use Development
Demolition of existing structures and construction of a mixed-use, multi-storey development comprising four towers (one 7-storey and three 6-storey with rooftop gardens), 130 residential units, three retail/commercial units, basement car parking, and associated landscaping.
Swansea Seawall Stabilisation
Stabilisation and repair of a 50-metre section of seawall at Belmont Street, Swansea, near Swansea Wharf. The seawall has been closed since 2021 due to instability caused by over-steepening of the underwater slope in Swansea Channel, with water velocity scouring beneath the wall creating a safety risk. The wall was found to be cracked and slumping during wharf and pontoon replacement work. Lake Macquarie City Council has submitted a budget proposal to the NSW Government for the estimated 8 million dollar repair project.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis reveals Belmont South - Blacksmiths recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide
Belmont South - Blacksmiths has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. As of September 2025, there are 2,715 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%.
This is 0.8% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 57.2%, below the regional average of 61.5%. Census data shows 21.2% work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.
The area specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 0.5% of Belmont South - Blacksmiths's workforce compared to 5.3% regionally. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force grew by 3.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Belmont South - Blacksmiths's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Belmont South - Blacksmiths SA2 was $54,211 and average income was $69,696. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $59,014 and average income is $75,871. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Belmont South - Blacksmiths fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 26.0% of locals (1,520 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Belmont South - Blacksmiths is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In Belmont South - Blacksmiths, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.2% of dwellings were houses while 22.8% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Belmont South - Blacksmiths stood at 41.4%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged properties accounted for 27.3% and rented dwellings made up 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than the Non-Metro NSW average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Belmont South - Blacksmiths was $330, matching the Non-Metro NSW figure. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents significantly below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Belmont South - Blacksmiths features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 66.2% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Belmont South - Blacksmiths faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.4%).
A substantial 23.2% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, comprising 8.1% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Belmont South - Blacksmiths has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that together facilitate 477 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents on average situated 158 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outwards, primarily by car (96%). On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 21.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.
The service frequency averages 68 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly six weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Belmont South - Blacksmiths is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
Belmont South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Approximately 54% of Belmont South residents have private health cover, compared to the average SA2 area rate of around 51.9%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.0% and 9.8% of residents respectively. However, 59.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population health presents notable challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Belmont South has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 27.5% (1,610 people), compared to the Rest of NSW average of 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
The latest Census data sees Belmont South - Blacksmiths placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics
Belmont South - Blacksmiths showed low cultural diversity, with 92.5% citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.2%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (31.8%), and Scottish (8.8%).
Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.9%) were more represented than the regional averages of 0.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Maltese representation was similar at 0.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Belmont South - Blacksmiths hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
The median age in Belmont South - Blacksmiths is 49, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 15.9% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.7%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 9.1%, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.8% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.7%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Belmont South - Blacksmiths's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 87 people (15%), increasing from 578 to 666. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.