Charlestown - Dudley

An assessment of population growth drivers in Charlestown - Dudley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Charlestown - Dudley's population is around 26,304 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,050 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,254 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,944 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 303 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,180 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Charlestown - Dudley's 4.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 50.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 3,009 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Charlestown - Dudley when compared nationally

Charlestown - Dudley has averaged around 124 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 620 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 49 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new homes are being built at an average value of $323,000. Additionally, $26.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Charlestown - Dudley has slightly more development (17.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprises 35.0% standalone homes and 65.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 80.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. At around 371 people per approval, Charlestown - Dudley indicates a mature market.

Future projections show Charlestown - Dudley adding 2,649 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Charlestown - Dudley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Expansion, Uniting Charlestown, 27 Dickinson Street Residential Development, and 14 Frederick Street Residential Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Charlestown - Dudley has been broadly consistent with national averages

Charlestown - Dudley has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 13,856 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (69.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.2% employment compared to 5.3% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% and labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Charlestown - Dudley. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Charlestown - Dudley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Charlestown - Dudley SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $59,168 while the average income stands at $73,292. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,410 (median) and $79,786 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Charlestown - Dudley cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 31.3% of the population (8,233 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 55th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Charlestown - Dudley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Charlestown - Dudley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Charlestown - Dudley lagged that of Regional NSW, at 35.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.4%) or rented (26.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $390, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Charlestown - Dudley's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Charlestown - Dudley has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.1% of all households, comprising 31.5% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Charlestown - Dudley aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.0% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of the SA3 area (23.5%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (27.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 252 active transport stops operating within Charlestown - Dudley, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 72 individual routes, collectively providing 2,378 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A high 27.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 339 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Charlestown - Dudley's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Charlestown - Dudley's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~14,572 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.9% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,419 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Charlestown - Dudley is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Charlestown - Dudley was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 92.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Charlestown - Dudley is Christianity, which makes up 48.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Charlestown - Dudley are Australian, comprising 30.0% of the population, English, comprising 30.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Charlestown - Dudley (vs 0.5% regionally), Macedonian at 0.8% (vs 0.4%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% (vs 4.6%).

Charlestown - Dudley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 37-year median age in Charlestown - Dudley is considerably lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 as well as very close to the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.2%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (8.6%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.0% to 15.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 13.9% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Charlestown - Dudley's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 1,015 people (25%) from 4,008 to 5,024. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.