Cessnock
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Cessnock are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Cessnock's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 25,113. This figure represents a growth of 1,618 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 23,495. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,311 in June 2024 and an additional 1,275 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 364 persons per square kilometer. Cessnock's growth rate of 6.9% from 2021 exceeds both the non-metro area average of 5.1% and the state's growth rate, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.1% to recent population gains in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Cessnock is projected to increase by 5,947 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 20.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Cessnock among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Cessnock has received around 268 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1341 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26108 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new homes is $269,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $49.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Cessnock's construction rates per person are similar to Rest of NSW, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas, yet significantly above the national average, showing robust developer interest. New building activity comprises 70% detached houses and 30% medium-high density housing, preserving the area's traditional low-density character while indicating decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 81 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts project Cessnock gaining 5101 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, supporting good buyer conditions and potentially growth beyond current projections.

Cessnock has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects potentially impacting the area. Key initiatives include Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment, Wollombi Road Upgrade Project, Cessnock Bypass, and Apex Park Precinct Transformation. The following list details those likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Cessnock face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Cessnock's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 8.4%.

In June 2025, 8,799 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 48.4% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Cessnock specializes in mining, with an employment share 3.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Cessnock's labour force decreased by 4.2%, and employment declined by 5.4%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Cessnock's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Cessnock's median income among taxpayers was $47,059 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,024 during the same period. These figures are below those of Rest of NSW, which were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Cessnock's median income will be approximately $52,993 and average income around $66,467, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Cessnock fall between the 13th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 29.2% of residents (7,332 people) falling within it, mirroring the surrounding region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Cessnock, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

Cessnock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Cessnock, evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 85.8% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cessnock was at 32.6%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (35.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cessnock was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $340. Nationally, Cessnock's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Cessnock has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.8% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 18.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Cessnock faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 37.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education. Eleven schools serve 4,812 students in the area, which has varied educational conditions across Cessnock. The educational mix comprises 7 primary, 2 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 19.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.0, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis finds 262 active stops in Cessnock, all bus services. These are covered by 83 routes offering 791 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically 154 metres from nearest stop.

Average service frequency is 113 trips daily across all routes, about 3 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Cessnock is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Cessnock faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (around 12,330 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 51.9%, and below the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are prevalent, impacting 12.3% and 11.5% respectively.

Conversely, 56.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.8%, or approximately 4,716 people, compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Cessnock placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Cessnock, as per the Australian Census 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population composition was 86.1% born overseas, 92.2% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 53.8% of Cessnock's population identifying as Christian, compared to 55.7% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (31.3%), and Scottish (9.3%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 7.3%, Welsh was equally represented at 0.5%, and French was slightly overrepresented at 0.4%.

Cessnock's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Cessnock is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cessnock has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 12.4% to 13.6%, while the 55-64 age group declined from 11.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Cessnock's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 1,250 people and reaching a total of 4,857 from the current figure of 3,606. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is expected to grow by a modest 6%, with an increase of 167 people.