Cessnock Surrounds

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

Cessnock Surrounds' population is approximately 10,071 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 926 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,145. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,786 in June 2024 and an additional 165 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer. Cessnock Surrounds' growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (5.1%) and the state average, indicating it as a region with significant growth potential. Interstate migration contributed approximately 70.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles in driving this increase.

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, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Cessnock Surrounds is projected to experience above median growth in Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by an additional 2,385 persons, reflecting a total gain of 20.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Cessnock Surrounds has averaged approximately 66 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 330 homes. As of FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.3 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outpacing supply which can put upward pressure on prices and increase buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $320,000.

In this financial year, $4.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cessnock Surrounds shows approximately 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, preserving the area's low density nature while indicating a shift from the existing 100.0% houses. This suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles seeking diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 141 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate Cessnock Surrounds to add 2,090 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, although increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers.

Cessnock Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

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

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.1%, 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. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%.

As of September 2025, 4629 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 59.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a strong mining sector 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 2.3% in Cessnock Surrounds over the year to September 2025, with employment declining by 1.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Statewide, NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2260 jobs) to November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that while overall employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Cessnock Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

The Cessnock Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,340 and an average of $60,282 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of NSW's median income being $49,459 and average income being $62,998. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,436 (median) and $67,884 (average), based on a 12.61% increase since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 54th percentile ($1,814 weekly), while personal income was at the 34th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band included 33.7% of the community (3,393 individuals). After housing costs, residents retained 86.9% of their income.

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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 90.9% houses and 9.0% 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 in the area was $1,829, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Cessnock Surrounds was $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were higher at $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 44.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 34.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 145 active transport stops within Cessnock Surrounds, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 46 individual routes, offering a total of 349 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 221 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per 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 (~4,985 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW, which has a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.0 and 9.1% of residents respectively.

However, 64.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,970 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 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 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, comprising 52.7%. This compares to 55.7% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.7%), English (31.9%), and Scottish (8.9%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.0%, compared to the regional average of 6.3%. Welsh and Maltese populations were also slightly higher at 0.6% and 0.4% respectively, compared to the regional averages of 0.5% and 0.3%.

Cessnock Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Cessnock Surrounds has a median age of 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent at 14.6%, while the 75-84 group is comparatively smaller 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 declined from 14.4% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Cessnock Surrounds, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow by 26%, adding 339 residents to reach 1,633. In contrast, numbers in the 5-14 age range are expected to fall by 16%.