Cessnock Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Cessnock Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of August 2025, Cessnock Surrounds' population is approximately 10,007, reflecting a growth of 862 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was reported as 9,145. This increase, equating to a 9.4% rise, is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 (population of 9,783) and the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer. The growth rate of 9.4% exceeds both the non-metro area's 4.8% and the state average, positioning Cessnock Surrounds as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.8% to this growth during recent periods, with all factors including natural growth and overseas migration being positive drivers.

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 used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Cessnock Surrounds is projected to have a population of approximately 12,392, marking a total gain of 2,385 persons and an increase of 21.5% over the 17-year period. This projection aligns with Australia's regional areas' above median population growth trend.

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

Cessnock Surrounds averaged approximately 66 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 330 homes. As of FY26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $459,000.

This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cessnock Surrounds shows around 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 80th percentile nationally. New building activity comprises 82.0% standalone homes and 18.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. This shift from the current 100.0% houses indicates decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles seeking diverse, affordable housing options.

The area has approximately 141 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Cessnock Surrounds to add 2,154 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Cessnock Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 116 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Cessnock City Council Operational Plan & Capital Works for 2024-25, Hunter Water Renewable Energy Projects, Vineyard Grove Estate, and Cessnock Bypass. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Cessnock Surrounds has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Cessnock Surrounds has a skilled workforce with a notable construction sector and an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of June 2025. There are 4,517 residents employed with an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is 59.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Mining shows strong specialisation with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 13.9% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Labour force levels decreased by 4.3% over a year ending June 2025, with a concurrent 4.5% employment decline, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cessnock Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Cessnock Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $48,340 and an average of $60,282 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average of $51,972 (median) and $70,358 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,436 (median) and $67,884 (average). The 2021 Census data showed household income at the 54th percentile ($1,814 weekly) and personal income at the 34th percentile. In Cessnock Surrounds, 33.7% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (3,372 individuals), similar to regional levels where 29.9% fell within this range. After housing costs, residents retained 86.9% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Cessnock Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Cessnock Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 99.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 0.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW where 90.9% were houses and 9.0% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Cessnock Surrounds stood at 42.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.5% and rented ones at 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,829, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Cessnock Surrounds was $360 compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,829 and rents were less at $360 than the Australian averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

Cessnock Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 78.6% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.4%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 34.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (11.0%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (2.8%). Nine schools operate within Cessnock Surrounds educating approximately 600 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 145 active public transport stops operating within Cessnock Surrounds. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 46 individual routes. Collectively, they facilitate 349 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 221 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Cessnock Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Cessnock Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,953 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis impacting 10.0% and asthma impacting 9.1% of residents.

64.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. As of 19 June 2021, the area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,958 people), which is higher than the 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Cessnock Surrounds, as per the 2016 Census data, had a population with 91.3% born in Australia, 92.2% being citizens, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.7%. This figure is slightly lower than the Rest of NSW average of 55.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.7%), English (31.9%), and Scottish (8.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 6.3%, while Welsh (0.6%) and Maltese (0.4%) also had slightly higher representations than their respective regional averages of 0.5% and 0.3%.

Cessnock Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Cessnock Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, which is similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 and older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 55-64 year-olds are most prominent at 14.6%, while the 75-84 year-olds comprise a smaller percentage at 5.8% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.5% to 5.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Cessnock Surrounds. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 27%, adding 348 residents to reach a total of 1,633. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age range is expected to decrease by 7%.